Huddersfield Town have set their sights on FC Köln striker Imad Rondic as they look to boost their League One promotion aspects.
It’s been a turbulent week for the Terriers. A 3-1 defeat at Burton Albion last weekend extended their winless run to four games, ending manager Lee Grant’s short tenure in the process.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper was only appointed in the summer and was immediately tasked with returning the club to the Championship. Although they still remain in the play-off places, the West Yorkshire-based side welcome fellow promotion chasers Bradford City to the Accu Stadium tomorrow, where they will begin the day 13 points behind second-placed Lincoln City.
New Boss Manning Looking To Make Mark
Huddersfield acted swiftly to fill the gap in the dugout this week. Former Bristol City and Norwich City boss Liam Manning was appointed on Tuesday, with the 40-year-old returning to the third tier for the first time since 2023.
High on his agenda will be strengthening the attacking area of his squad. Although they are the highest scorers in the division with 46 goals, the three-time English champions have already lost Leo Castledine this month, who was recalled by parent club Chelsea ahead of a permanent transfer to Middlesbrough.
The attacking midfielder found the back of the net 10 times before his departure, whilst summer signing Alfie May hasn’t quite hit the heights he has in past years with the likes of Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic. Bojan Radulovic has seven goals to his name, but a replacement for Joe Taylor, who joined has Wigan Athletic on loan, is needed.
Huddersfield Turn To The Continent
It appears as if Huddersfield are prepared to cast their net afar to find the ideal man to boost their attacking options. Reports from Germany claim that they are lining up a move for 26-year-old Ivan Rondic, who joined Bundesliga outfit FC Köln a year ago for a fee of around €1 million.
🚨🐐 EXCL | 1. FC Köln, pushing to sign Imad #Rondic with immediate effect ✔️
25 y/o striker from Widzew Lodz keen to join #Effzeh now. Contract expires at the end of the season.
Advanced negotiations between the clubs underway. Talks about a transfer fee of €1m. @berger_pj… pic.twitter.com/xlewJPHXzO
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 25, 2025
The former Bosnian youth international scored one goal in nine appearances for this new club last season, helping them clinch the 2.Bundesliga title. However, he was deemed surplus to requirements following their promotion to the German top tier.
A loan move back to Poland followed. Rondic joined Raków Częstochowa in September, but has yet to find the net in 18 appearances. As such, it appears as if his temporary deal is set to be cut short.
Sport.de claim that 2.Bundesliga outfit SC Preußen Münster are keen on acquiring the striker’s service, although Huddersfield are angling for a loan move of their own. The report does state that the player’s preference is a return to Germany, which seemingly makes this a difficult deal to do.