July 6, 2022 - The youngest-ever debutant for the Croatia national team and once considered the most promising young talent in Europe is looking to revive his career. Alen Halilović returns to Croatia as a new member of Rijeka. 

Alen Halilović is a new player of HNK Rijeka, the club announced on Wednesday. Halilović underwent a medical examination this morning and signed the contract afterward, reports Rijeka. 

After playing in the second division of English football for two years, first for Birmingham and then for Reading, who did not offer him a new contract, Halilović decided to return to Croatia to revive his football career.

At only 17 years old, he made a career transfer by moving from Dinamo to Barcelona, though things didn't quite go to plan. The Catalan club sold him to German club HSV, who in turn sent him on loan to Las Palmas. In the summer of 2018, he signed for another European giant, Milan.

Unfortunately, he didn't manage to find his way there either. He went from loan to loan again, first to Standard Liege and then to Heerenveen, but in October 2020, the Italians decided to end their cooperation with the Croatian footballer. 

"I have been in contact with Rijeka for a long time. I wanted to return to Croatia this season. I am satisfied and happy to be here in Rijeka. We talked and talked for a long time and I know the club well and that's why I decided to take that step," said Alen Halilović, who wore the Barcelona shirt in 2014.

Upon his arrival, Alen had the opportunity to tour the camp and see for himself the excellent working conditions in Rijeka, and the football challenges soon began.

"I followed HNL last season, more than ever, it was very interesting and that's an even bigger motivation for me. A good team is coming together this season, there is a good atmosphere and I insisted that I come as early as possible and that we start working as soon as possible," said Alen Halilović.

You can watch his video interview below: 

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Alen Halilović has found himself in a difficult situation with Hamburger SV (HSV), the club he arrived at this summer from Barcelona, reports Index.hr.

A great honor for two young Croatian footballers: Alen Halilović and Ante Ćorić are among the 40 candidates chosen for this year’s “Golden Boy” award, put on by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.