The mysterious Portsmouth ‘target’ now out to dominate Championship at Derby County
There was talk of a Fratton arrival last summer followed by a big Bundesliga 2. campaign - now he’s swapped SC Paderborn for Pompey’s Championship rivals.
He’s a player who was quietly touted to arrive at Fratton Park last summer.
German attacker Filip Bilbija was a name which circulated in Pompey circles at the climax of the transfer window, as the Blues looked to bolster their attacking department.
Mentioned in Pompey circles last summer - now Bilbija has joined Derby County
Some video research of the 26-year-old underlined why he would be of interest to Championship sides, as he made his mark in the Bundesliga 2. With SC Paderborn.
A move for the former Hamburg man never materialised, however, with focus instead turning to eye-catching deadline day homecoming of Conor Chaplin and young St Johnstone striker Makenzie Kirk.
Bilbija remained in the German second tier and saw his stock continue to rise, as he banged in 17 goals to help Paderborn reach the Bundesliga after play-off success against Wolfsburg.
That goal return was made all the more impressive given the versatile operator delivered that return from a variety of different positions along the front line - and even from a deep-lying midfield position.
Those efforts saw the man from Berlin come to the attention of Derby County, who moved to land Bilbija on a three-year contract as he became a free agent.
Now he will be looking to continue his impressive efforts in the English second tier, where he will be lining up against Pompey next term for the Rams.
Speaking to Derby’s official website, Bilbija explained how the move unfolded.
He said: ‘Derby contacted my agent in January but I wanted to focus on Paderborn during the season, then after the season be in contact and see Derby as a city and the stadium. After that I wanted to come.
‘It’s a big club with big staff and the players are very nice, I’m very happy to be here.
‘It’s a different kind of football land I will like to play in a lot of games.
‘Also it’s a new chapter of my life, so I can see how it goes and how it goes with my family.
‘I see how I can improve my football here, I’m happy to be here.
‘Last season I played in all the middle third positions. I played as a six, eight, winger and striker. ‘I love to score goals the most, but I like to win as well.
‘I feel confident and excited to celebrate here with the team and fans. Hopefully I have the energy to help the team.’