Andrija Novakovich joins Frosinone Calcio

Frosinone Calcio announced the signing of Andrija Novakovich to a permanent deal through June of 2022 for an undisclosed fee. The American striker was previously with English club Reading FC, which he joined as an youth player in 2014.

It was a whirlwind end of the transfer window for Novakovich, who appeared set to join PEC Zwolle, after reportedly being in attendance at one of the club’s matches. The native of Wisconsin was successful in the Netherlands, scoring 19 goals while on loan with SC Telstar in the Eerste Divisie and nine at newly promoted Eredivisie club Fortuna Sittard last season. However, according to local reports, despite an agreement on personal terms, the deal broke down due to incompatible transfer fee demands from Reading. Following the end of negotiations, Voetbal International’s Stef de Bont reported that Novakovich was possibly on the move to VfL Bochum of the 2. Bundesliga.

Frosinone was relegated from Serie A last season, after earning promotion the previous year. The Canaries currently have four strikers on the roster, but recently hired manager Alessandro Nesta employs a two-striker formation, which bodes well for Novakovich’s potential playing time.

After joining Reading in 2014, Novakovich made three appearances in the Championship, including a recent brief substitute appearance in the season opening 3-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday, before being relegated to the reserves. He signed a two-year extension with the club in June of 2018, but didn’t appear to be in the club’s future plans following the addition of three strikers during this transfer window.

Novakovich, 22, has been viewed as a player with high potential at both the club and international level. He’s made three appearances with the United States Men’s National Team after being a mainstay in the U.S. youth setup, but has been on the outskirts of Gregg Berhalter’s purview. While still considered relatively young for a professional, he needs stable playing time at a challenging level with a clear path to the first team, something Reading was never able to provide.

Is this a good move for Novakovich? Discuss in the comment section.