Eighteen-year-old Igor Matanovic, who has been with second-division FC St. Pauli since the age of eight, clocked up an impressive 17 league appearances for the club in 2020/21, scoring once in the process. That goal came when he was just 17 years, nine months and 16 days old, making him the youngest goalscorer in St. Pauli’s history.
The 1.94m striker, who holds dual German and Croatian nationality, represented the latter at youth level as a child but has played for Germany since the U17s, for whom he has scored twice in three appearances. He has also netted two goals in as many games for Germany’s U18 side. Matanovic will return to St. Pauli on loan for the next two seasons.
He has great talent and a lot of potential. For his development, it’s important that he gets as much match practice as possible.
Board member Markus Krösche
Eintracht board member for sport, Markus Krösche, said: “Igor is a very talented player who is technically gifted and physically strong. He has great talent and a lot of potential. For his development, it’s important that he gets as much match practice as possible. The loan move to his original club is a sensible one, as he’ll not only be able to help an ambitious second-tier side but also make important steps in his development this season and the next.”
