Mateo Biondic made a surprising winter move from Regionalliga side Eintracht Trier to Champions League participant Union Saint-Gilloise. The 22-year-old striker now finds himself in the spotlight as the Belgian club faces a decisive week: the cup final against rivals RSC Anderlecht on Thursday and a crucial league match against leaders Club Brugge on Sunday.
Biondic had impressed in the Regionalliga Südwest with seven goals and five assists in 17 appearances, leading Union to pay €220,000 for his transfer. The initial plan was to give him six months to adapt and fully integrate him next season, especially as top striker Promise David (market value €17 million) was expected to be sold. However, David’s injury forced Biondic into action earlier than anticipated, and he has made the most of the opportunity.
During the regular season, Biondic was mostly a substitute, starting twice in seven games and contributing to two goals in 172 minutes. After David underwent surgery, Biondic became a regular starter in the championship playoffs. Despite a broken arm that kept him out for two weeks, he returned to become the match-winner last weekend with a goal and an assist in a 3-0 victory over KV Mechelen.
Overall, Biondic has recorded three goals and two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions this season.
Biondic’s performances have drawn interest from two Bundesliga clubs, as well as attention from the Croatian Football Federation. In the winter, 1. FC Nürnberg and unnamed Bundesliga sides had also expressed interest, but Union’s first offer showed respect and convinced Biondic’s camp. The Belgian club is now reluctant to let him go and is demanding a high transfer fee.
Currently valued at €400,000, Biondic’s market value is expected to rise significantly in the Jupiler Pro League update on June 4. Transfermarkt’s Belgium Area Manager Bart Tamsyn commented: “His market value will certainly multiply. Our community currently estimates him at around €1.5
