Eintracht Frankfurt and HNK Rijeka have agreed terms on the transfer of Hrvoje Smolcic. The centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, is being given a contract that starts at the beginning of the 2022/23 season and runs through to 30 June 2027.
Smolcic moved from his hometown of Gospic in 2014 to join first-division side Rijeka’s youth system, moving up through the ranks and making his professional debut in March 2019 as an 18-year-old. The six-footer helped the club win the Croatian cup two seasons in a row, in 2019 and 2020, and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
From next summer onwards, we know that we’ve got a player who is strong in the tackle, technically gifted and versatile in defence.
Board member for sport Markus Krösche
Since then, Smolcic has been a linchpin for the team on the Adriatic coast, making 84 appearances in all competitions and taking on the captain’s armband last season at the age of 21.
“We’re proud of the fact that we’ve managed to convince a highly talented defender like Hrvoje Smolcic to come and join us,” said board member for sport Markus Krösche. “From next summer onwards, we know that we’ve got a player who is strong in the tackle, technically gifted and versatile in defence. We’re also aware, though, that Frankfurt will be his first club outside his home country, and that means that we’ll give him all the time and support he needs to settle in.”
