Croatian striker Gabriel Debeljuh joins Lithuanian champions Kauno Žalgiris ahead of Dinamo Zagreb clash

Croatian striker Gabriel Debeljuh has joined Lithuanian champions Kauno Žalgiris, a move that significantly bolsters the team's attacking options ahead of their crucial Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb. The experienced forward's signing was a priority for coach Željko Sopić, who has been seeking reinforcements.

Debeljuh brings a wealth of experience, having developed in Torino's youth academy before embarking on a professional career in Italy. He later moved to Romania in 2019, where he scored 12 goals in his first season for Hermannstadt, earning him a transfer to Cluj. With Cluj, he secured two Romanian league titles and participated in major European competitions, scoring in the group stages of the Europa and Conference Leagues.

His career statistics in the Romanian top flight include 47 goals and eight assists in 159 appearances for various clubs, including Sepsi and Otelul. Debeljuh becomes the third Croatian player at Kauno Žalgiris, joining Ivan Fiolić and Leon Kreković. His debut for the new club could potentially be against Dinamo Zagreb, though it is considered unlikely for the upcoming match.