NK Varaždin have bolstered their squad with the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Luka Lukanić. The former Dinamo Zagreb youth captain has put pen to paper on a two-year contract, arriving at the Anđelko Herjavec Stadium as a free agent after his contract with Slovenian side Bravo was terminated.
Lukanić came through the entire Dinamo youth academy, making his first-team debut in Champions League qualifiers against Astana under Igor Bišćan. After failing to secure a permanent spot, he was loaned to Zrinjski Mostar and later played for Jong Genk, Domžale, and Bravo. He also earned six caps for the Croatia U19 national team.
"First impressions are really excellent. The team has welcomed me very well and I am happy to have come to Varaždin," said Lukanić. "I think this is an excellent environment for young players and a club that is progressing year after year."
The arrival of Lukanić provides further reinforcement for a team that has started the season strongly. Varaždin currently sit fourth in the HNL table with 15 points from eight games, just one point behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, most recently drawing 0-0 with Osijek.
The midfield was an area in need of depth, and alongside existing players like Canjuga, Duvnjak, Latković, and Marine, Lukanić brings experience and quality. His contract runs until 31 May 2028.
The squad now prepares for their next challenge in the 9th round, an away fixture against Lokomotiva at Maksimir on 10 October. The previous meeting between these two sides, in June, ended in a 2-1 defeat for Varaždin.
Read the full report at germanijak.hr
