Halilovic Resurfaces in Europe: Fortuna Sittard Eyes Significant Summer Transfer

Alen Halilovic, once hailed as a major prospect in European football, is making waves again. The Croatian, who joined Barcelona at the age of 18, is now catching attention with Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands, sparking anticipation of a substantial summer transfer.

Halilovic’s journey has seen highs and lows since his arrival at Barcelona. Despite a promising start, he struggled to establish himself and embarked on a footballing odyssey that eventually led him to find his footing with Fortuna Sittard. In the Netherlands, talks of a significant summer move are gaining traction, as stated by Fortuna’s Sporting Director, Americo Branco, who hinted at a potential transfer that would significantly boost the club’s finances.

While Halilovic had a strong start, maintaining consistency has been a challenge. Branco, however, believes that the Croatian is at a stage to reclaim his prominence in European football. “I don’t think he will keep playing here next season,” Branco mentioned in an interview with VI PRO. “In January, he could have gone to a country with a lot of money. But his goal is to move to a top league in the summer, and I think he will achieve it. There is a lot of interest, even from the big countries. Alen can take that higher step, undoubtedly.”

Halilovic’s contract recently automatically extended for two more years after reaching a set number of matches. This gives Fortuna the option to transfer him during the summer transfer window. Notably, Halilovic burst onto the scene with Barcelona at the age of 18, impressing in the 2014 debut under the ‘Luis Enrique era’ against Recreativo de Huelva.

Despite not solidifying his place in Barcelona’s reserve team, Halilovic has traversed a long path across Europe, playing for Sporting de Gijón, Hamburg, Las Palmas, Milan, Standard Liege, Heerenveen, Birmingham, Reading, and Rijeka before landing at Fortuna.

While his remarkable talents may not have kept him in the footballing elite, it seems Halilovic still has an opportunity to catch the last train to success.