Hajduk Split’s squad rebuild has begun with a Croatian born Socceroos’ defender among the first signings for the 2025/26 season.
Experienced HNL right-back Fran Karačić has joined Hajduk from Lokomotiva for $360,000 (EURO200,000).
Karačić, 29, was one of the HNL’s best right-backs last season and a key player for Lokomotiva, wearing the captain’s armband.
The former Croatia youth international switched allegiance to Australia ahead of the 2018 World Cup, before making Graham Arnold’s 2022 World Cup squad.
He was called up by Tony Popović for the March FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but was committed for the June games against Japan and Saudi Arabia where the Socceroos secured qualification.
Joining Hajduk will only enhance Karačić’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad, especially if the ‘Bili’ can qualify for Europe.
Part of a Hajduk reset
Karačić is part of a Hajduk reset, which has commenced after a rollercoaster season with Gennaro Gattuso, who departed at the end of a season that promised a lot but delivered third place, behind champions Rijeka and Dinamo.
Spaniard Gonzalo Garcia was appointed last month after an impressive stint with Istra 1961, whilst club great Goran Vučević has returned to the club in a sports director’s role.
Vučević rubber-stamped the Karačić signing, who reignited his career at former club Lokomotiva after stints with Brescia and Rudeš.
Karačić played 36 games last season, scoring four goals, including a bomb at the Poljud for Lokomotiva, and assisting four times.
He has won 13 Socceroos caps, and was a member of the 2022 World Cup squad, starting against Tunisia and coming on in the dramatic second round loss to Argentina.
Karačić, who will wear number 29, was officially unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday, but prior to that he joined Australian-born players Anthony Kalik and Noa Skoko in the first-team squad’s training session on Tuesday.
Along with the signing of the Australian Croatian defender, Hajduk Split this week also announced it had recruited Albanian international Adrion Pajaziti from Fulham FC. The 22 year old midfielder impressed while on loan at HNL side HNK Gorica last season.
