Jakić Provides Assist as Rijeka Signs Bundesliga-Scoring Forward
Yusuf Kabadayi, a 22-year-old winger, has finally arrived at Rujevica. His career includes a goal for Augsburg, scored off an assist from Croatian international Kristijan Jakić.
Yusuf Kabadayi, a 22-year-old winger, has finally arrived at Rujevica. His career includes a goal for Augsburg, scored off an assist from Croatian international Kristijan Jakić.
The long-awaited arrival of Yusuf Kabadayi to Rijeka has finally been completed. News of the transfer leaked over a month ago, but the 22-year-old winger has only now officially landed at Rujevica. His move from the Bundesliga to the Croatian league is particularly intriguing due to a career highlight that ties him to a Croatian international.
The finest moment of the young German's career, who has Turkish roots, came in September 2024. In a Bundesliga matchday 3 clash, his then-club Augsburg celebrated a home victory over St. Pauli. The final score of 3:1 was confirmed in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Kabadayi finding the net.
What makes this goal especially interesting for Croatian football fans is that it was set up by an assist from Kristijan Jakić. The Croatian international laid the ball off to his then-teammate, who fired a precise shot through the goalkeeper's legs to ripple the net.
Kabadayi developed through Bayern's youth system, where he was regarded as one of the more talented players of his generation. In the Munich academy, he shared a dressing room with several now-famous names, including Jamal Musiala, Gabriel Vidović, and Malik Tillman.
Two years ago, he moved to Augsburg for €900,000. He made five appearances for the Bundesliga side and scored that one aforementioned goal. His progress was briefly halted by a knee injury, which led to a loan spell at Turkish club Gaziantep last season. In the Süper Lig, he enjoyed more playing time and consistency.
The player, who holds both German and Turkish citizenship, has represented the youth teams of both nations throughout his career. He first wore Turkey's jersey at the U15 and U16 levels, then decided to represent Germany, playing for the U18, U19, and U20 teams.
He is an attacking player capable of covering all three forward positions, standing out for his pace, work ethic, and willingness to help the team in the defensive phase as well.
