The summer transfer window offers a chance for signings without a fee. A whole team of Croatian players is available on the market, from seasoned internationals to young prospects, with a total value of €14.1 million according to Transfermarkt.
While the summer transfer window is underway, football clubs don't necessarily have to dig deep into their pockets for transfer fees. A host of Croatian footballers are currently free agents, including former and current internationals with extensive experience in Europe's top leagues. From the available names, a complete team can be assembled in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a total value estimated at €14.1 million by the specialized platform Transfermarkt.
Although the term "free" refers solely to the absence of a transfer fee, the new club still must negotiate wages and other contract terms with the player. The most valuable member of this hypothetical squad is Marcelo Brozović, whose value is estimated at €8 million.
Between the posts would stand 29-year-old Karlo Letica, a two-meter-tall goalkeeper valued at €1.5 million. He has been without a club since the start of July, with his last stint at Swiss side Lausanne-Sport. He began his career at Hajduk, moved to Club Brugge in 2018, and later played in Italy, Romania, and Switzerland.
Ivan Pranjić (27), who played for Široki Brijeg, would cover the right side of the defense. According to Transfermarkt, he is worth €250,000 and can play on both flanks. He played nearly a hundred league matches for Široki in the Bosnian Premier League and was the team's top assist provider last season.
Zvonimir Šarlija and Dejan Lovren form the central defensive pair. Šarlija (29) mutually terminated his contract with Hajduk at the beginning of July after three years at the club. His value is €1.5 million, and he has previously played for Slaven Belupo, CSKA Moscow, Kasımpaşa, Ankaragücü, Panathinaikos, and Pafos. Dejan Lovren (37), the most experienced defender on the list, joins him. The former Croatian international with 78 caps for the national team last played for Greek club PAOK, and Transfermarkt values him at €400,000. In his illustrious career, he has worn the jerseys of Dinamo, Lyon, Southampton, Liverpool, and Zenit.
The left-back position is entrusted to Luka Lučić (31), whose last club was Polish side Zagłębie Lubin. Primarily a left-sided player, he can also cover as a center-back. He came through Hajduk's youth academy and has played in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Poland. His value is estimated at €300,000.
The heart of the team is 33-year-old Marcelo Brozović, the most recognizable name on the list. After leaving Saudi club Al-Nassr, he is currently without a club, and Transfermarkt values him at €8 million. He spent the majority of his European career at Inter, winning Serie A and reaching the Champions League final before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Alongside him would be 22-year-old Jakov Gurlica, one of the younger players in this lineup. A former Dinamo youth product, he last played for Vukovar 1991. Transfermarkt lists him as a center-back with defensive midfield as a secondary position, and his value is €400,000. He has been without a club since the start of July.
In front of them, in the attacking midfield role, would be Luka Tunjić (20), a Croatian U-21 international born in Hamburg. He spent the last two years at Dutch club Fortuna Sittard, with his contract expiring at the end of June. Transfermarkt values him at €300,000.
The left wing is occupied by Ante Rebić (32), who left Hajduk after last season and is currently without a club. His value is €700,000, and he has significant experience playing in Italy and Germany for Fiorentina, Eintracht Frankfurt, Milan, Beşiktaş, and Lecce.
On the opposite flank is Šime Gržan (32), valued at €150,000. After a career in the Croatian league, where he was a key player for Istra 1961 and Osijek, he also played in Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia. His last club was Macarthur, and he has amassed 284 appearances in the Croatian top flight.
Leading the attack is Fran Brodić (29). The former Dinamo and Varaždin striker last played for Hungarian side Újpest and has been without a club since July. His value is €600,000. In his senior career, he has scored 68 goals in 216 appearances, including 26 in the Croatian league.
