Super Eagles forward Salim Fago Lawal has completed a move to Czech side Viktoria Plzeň from Croatian club NK Istra, in what is understood to be a club-record transfer for the Croatian outfit.
The 23-year-old, a former Nigeria Under-20 international, joins Plzeň after several days of negotiations, with the deal reportedly valued at €2.4m and rising to €3m through performance-related add-ons.
Lawal arrives as an attacking replacement following the departure of fellow Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi, who left Plzeň earlier in the transfer window to join Italian side Pisa.
Salim fago. Photo Credit: Plzen/X
During his time in Croatia, Lawal scored 15 goals and provided two assists, attracting interest from several European clubs before Plzeň moved to secure his signature.
Plzeň sporting director Martin Vozábal said the club had tracked the striker closely while searching for attacking reinforcements.
“After Rafiu Durosinmi left, we wanted to increase the competition in our offense, which is being fulfilled by the arrival of Salim Fago Lawal,” Vozábal said.
“We had him followed from the Croatian league. He is a speedy type of player who can play both as a striker and on the wing. I am glad that we have now managed to implement the entire transfer and we can count on him for the weekend league start.”
Rafiu Durosinmi won series A MVP in his first game for Pisa. Photo Credit: Serie A/X
Lawal has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the number 70 shirt at the club.
Speaking after completing the move, the striker said Viktoria Plzeň’s consistent presence in European competitions played a key role in his decision.
“I know Viktoria primarily from their work in European competitions, where they have had great results in the long term,” Lawal said.
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“So this offer really interested me. I see it as a step forward in my career and I will want to help the club as much as possible.”
Salim fago at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Imago
Lawal was part of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, where he made appearances against Egypt in a friendly and Uganda in the tournament proper.
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“Given that I was with the national team for the AFCON, I think I am well prepared,” he added. “I will want to be fully available to the coaches immediately.”
Fago joins fellow Nigerians Ubong Ekpai and Fortune Bassey, who have previously played for Viktoria Plzeň.
