Hull City look set to miss out on striker target Matija Frigan, with Serie A side Parma poised to seal his signature.
The Tigers had been tracking the KVC Westerlo forward throughout the summer, but transfer restrictions have left them unable to compete, and the MKM Stadium will now not be the player’s destination.
🚨🟡🔵 Parma have agreed deal to sign Matija Frigan as new striker from Westerlo for fee under €10m.
Parma beat Hull City to the signing, as @TheCroatianLad reported earlier today. pic.twitter.com/VWTinn4jok
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2025
Frigan Chooses Parma Over Hull
Frigan, 22, scored 13 goals in all competitions for Belgian Pro League side Westerlo last season and had emerged as a priority target for new Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic. The Croatian previously worked with the forward at HNK Rijeka, where he oversaw his rise from academy graduate to first-team regular.
Hull’s interest was no secret, with Jakirovic describing him as “an excellent striker” and praising his work rate, aerial ability, and finishing with both feet. However, Fabrizio Romano reports that Parma have moved into pole position, with a deal expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Transfer Restrictions Hit Plans
The East Yorkshire club’s pursuit has been hampered by a transfer embargo that prevents them from paying fees for players while they operate under the terms of a financial restriction. Hull have lodged an appeal, but until that process concludes they are limited to signings on free transfers or loans.
That limitation effectively ended their hopes of landing Frigan, whose performances in Belgium had also drawn wider European interest. Parma, able to table a permanent deal, have now capitalised on the situation to lure the striker to Italy’s top flight.
For Hull, the setback comes after a mixed start to the new campaign. A goalless draw at Coventry City on the opening day was followed by a Carabao Cup exit to Wrexham on penalties. With Championship fixtures against Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers to come, adding attacking firepower remains a pressing priority for Jakirovic.
Frigan’s Career to Date
A former Croatia youth international, Frigan made his senior breakthrough at Rijeka before loan spells with HNK Orijent and Hrvatski Dragovoljac gave him regular minutes. Returning to Rijeka, he hit 15 goals in 32 games, earning a move to Westerlo in 2023. His time in Belgium has seen him continue to develop as a physical, penalty-box striker with a strong goal return at both club and international youth levels.
Writer’s View
This is a blow for Hull City and underlines how off-field restrictions can impact on-field ambitions. Frigan’s link to Jakirovic and proven scoring record made him an ideal fit for the Tigers’ style, but the financial limitations meant they could not compete when Parma entered the race.
Unless their appeal is successful quickly, Hull will need to explore the loan market creatively to address their need for a focal point in attack. The next fortnight will be crucial in determining whether they can find a suitable alternative before the deadline.
