Brentford have signed Austrian international striker Marco Djuricin on loan from Red Bull Salzburg. The 22-year-old arrived in London on Friday, 28 August, to complete a medical. A season-long loan deal was completed - subjected to international clearance - today, Monday 31 August, and Marco will be a Brentford player for the duration of the 2015/16 season.
Marco was born in Vienna and spent most of his youth career at Sportklub Rapid Wien and Fußballklub Austria Wien – better known as Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna respectively in England. He made the step in to the professional game with Berlin side Hertha BSC and played in the top two divisions in Germany for them.
After a loan spell with SSV Jahn Regensburg he joined SK Sturm Graz in 2013 and scored 24 goals in 44 games in all competitions in 18 months in the Austrian top flight. Red Bull signed Marco in January and he has scored six goals in 21 games in all competitions for the Salzburg side.
Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “With Andre Gray leaving us, we needed a new striker who was similar in style. And with Marco we have found a very good replacement.
“He is used to playing at a very high level and has experience of international football. He is a good finisher but also has specific qualities that can suit us, like running in behind defenders.
“With Philipp Hofmann also available, I am very happy we have now two quality strikers of differing styles.”
Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: "I'm delighted that we have finally managed to bring Marco to Brentford. He is a player that the Club have known about since he played at Sturm Graz.
“Signing Marco on loan for a year gives him plenty of time to adapt to English football and show his undoubted talent. We look forward to seeing Marco in training and he will be available after the international break."
Marco has earned two Austrian caps, making his debut in March in a UEFA European Championships 2016 qualifier against Liechtenstein. He has also played for his country at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level. He helped Austria finish sixth in 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championships and earn a place at the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup but missed out on that tournament due to injury.
Marco will train with the Brentford squad and be available for the next match, against Leeds United on Saturday 12 September.