Croatian footballers Baržić and Biuk change Spanish clubs

Croatian U-21 national team defender Matija Baržić has committed his future to Spanish top-flight club Elche, signing a new four-year contract that runs until June 2030. The club highlighted Baržić's significant progress over the past two seasons, noting his development during loan spells at second-division clubs Eldense and Cultural Leonesa, where he became a key player.

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Elche thus further confirms its commitment to one of the young stoppers with the greatest potential in the club.

Elche stated that Baržić, 22, has demonstrated his advancement by completing pre-season training with the first team, proving his capabilities in a demanding environment. The club praised his defensive solidity, playmaking from the back, and aerial duel strength, emphasizing his game intelligence and potential for further growth.

Meanwhile, winger Stipe Biuk has departed from second-division side Real Valladolid. Biuk, 23, leaves after 48 appearances, contributing one goal and six assists. He joined Valladolid from Los Angeles in January 2024 and was part of the team that earned promotion to La Liga. After a loan spell at Hajduk, he returned to Valladolid for the past season.

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Baržić is characterized by his defensive solidity, personality in building play from the back line, and ability to win duels, to which he adds very good game reading, competitive maturity, and great room for further progress.

Valladolid also confirmed that midfielder Stanko Jurić remains with the club. In other Croatian player movements, second-division club Las Palmas has reportedly sold goalkeeper Dinko Horkaš to Al-Wasl in the UAE for over 4.5 million euros, with Las Palmas retaining a percentage of future sales. Horkaš, who played 43 games last season, reportedly wished to leave Las Palmas.

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Real Valladolid thanks Biuk for his performances in the club's jersey and wishes him the best of luck in his new personal and professional stage.