The young forward has been at our Club for many years and is determined to make his mark with the White and Blues’ first team.
It is always particularly pleasing to see promising players from our Youth Academy at Opus Arena commit their future to our Club. NK Osijek’s 19-year-old forward Ivan Barić has signed a new contract running until the summer of 2029, confirming that the Croatia U19 international is very much part of our plans not only for the future, but also for the remainder of this season.
I’m happy, and so is my family. This means a lot to us because Osijek is my Club and I want to give everything I can for it. I’ve now taken the number 9 shirt, I know what it means and the responsibility that comes with it, but I believe in myself. There are a lot of young players in this team and it is up to all of us to make the most of our opportunities. The only way I can earn my place is through hard work and performances on the pitch, and I know that every match is another chance to prove myself. I’ve been here for a long time, I’m now working my way into the first team and I want to make my mark.
Croatia Youth International
Barić took his first footballing steps at NK Mladost Vođinci before joining Osijek in February 2015. He progressed through all the youth categories in our Academy and earned his place in the Croatian national team setup. He is currently a member of the U19 national team, with whom he secured qualification for the European Championship, scoring five goals in 12 appearances.
Ivan was the top scorer in the national U19 championship, while his strong performances at youth level earned him a quick step up to senior football. He made his first-team debut in early August 2024 away to HNK Gorica and has since made 14 appearances. This season, he featured against Rijeka at Rujevica and started the Cup match against Segesta.
Turning Potential into Results
Sporting Director Kenneth Zandvliet has no doubt that Barić is a player with plenty to offer in the years ahead.
Ivan Barić is one of the biggest talents at our Club. He is a player with exceptional technical qualities who has made great progress over the past few years. He now faces an important step – turning his considerable potential into tangible results on the pitch. We will continue to support him on that journey and provide him with everything he needs for his further development. We are extremely pleased that Ivan has extended his contract with our Club. It is another confirmation of the mutual trust between us and our shared belief in what we can achieve. We wish Ivan every success, many great matches and unforgettable moments at our Club, said Zandvliet.
