Super Eagles forward Salim Fago is closing in on a move away from Croatia, with reports linking the 23-year-old to Czech Chance Super League side Viktoria Plzen ahead of the January transfer window.
Footy-Africa can confirm that the Nigerian forward is already on his way to the Czech Republic as he weighs up a new chapter in his career. Azerbaijani champions Qarabag are also believed to be monitoring the situation, adding further intrigue to the transfer race.
Fago, who was developed at Nigerian side Mavlon FC, is open to the move, although his representative has urged caution amid claims the deal has already been completed. Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, his minder Muyiwa Showole confirmed negotiations are ongoing but stressed that nothing has been finalized yet.
“Yes, there were a few clubs seeking to sign him. He has been in good form since he moved to Istra and a lot of clubs were looking to sign him,” Showole told Footy-Africa.
“However, Plzen, yes, the club in the Czech Republic, are ahead in the race to sign him and discussions were held. It looks likely he will head there, but the deal has not been finalized. He is close to signing for them.”
Fago, who was part of Nigeria’s squad at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, has enjoyed an impressive spell with NK Istra, emerging as one of the standout attacking players in the Croatian top flight this season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Viktoria Plzen are understood to be keen on strengthening their attacking options following the departure of Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi to Serie A side Pisa. The Czech club have identified Fago as their primary target to fill the void, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of two million dollars could be enough to lure him away from Croatia, despite his contract with Istra running until 2028.
This season, Fago has featured in 17 matches for NK Istra, scoring five goals and providing two assists, form that has underlined his growing reputation and made a move to a bigger European stage appear increasingly inevitable.
