LaLiga
Barcelona Sign Croatian Midfield Prodigy
With Joan Garcia signed and Roony Bardghji on his way, FC Barcelona have now reached an agreement for their third signing of the summer.
Indeed, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Croatian midfield prospect Lovro Chelfi from NK Kustosija.
The 18-year-old talent had been linked with a move to the Premier League but has now agreed to sign for the Blaugrana and will be a part of the reserve team Barça Atletic.
Who is Lovro Chelfi?
Chelfi, 18, started out at the academy of Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb before moving to the NK Kustosija youth setup in 2022.
Since then, the midfielder has had a steady rise through the ranks and broke into the club’s Under-19 team in March last year. Chelfi has made nine appearances for Kustosija’s Under-19 team, scoring one goal.
Barcelona have agreed deal to sign 18 year old Croatian midfielder Lovro Chelfi.
Chelfi was linked with Premier League move but he will join Barça U21 squad with agreement in place with NK Kustosija. pic.twitter.com/kOynoRZDbm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2025
The teenage midfielder also has two senior appearances to his name, with his debut coming in August last year.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Chelfi has played for the Croatian national team at the Under-18 and Under-19 stages.
Barcelona had previously signed Mika Faye from NK Kustosija, and the deal worked out well for the club as the defender was sold for a handsome profit after a year at the club, during which he largely played for Barça Atletic.
Chelfi, too, will be linking up with the Blaugrana’s Under-21 team once he arrives from Kustosija this summer, with a deal now agreed.
Barcauniversal.com
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoJude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoTed Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202611 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoKylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis12 hours agoAndoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News19 hours agoTony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard