Latvian international defender Daniels Balodis has returned to the Virslīga after a season and a half abroad, signing a long-term contract with FK Auda ahead of the final stretch of the campaign.
The 28-year-old spent last season with Slovak top-flight side Tatran Prešov, making 18 league appearances and registering one assist. However, following the club’s relegation from the Nike Liga, Balodis became a free agent this summer.
Before his spell in Slovakia, the central defender featured for Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone, where he made 16 appearances and scored twice. His most memorable moment came in April 2025, when he netted the winning goal in a home victory over Celtic.
Balodis now returns to familiar surroundings, having previously represented RFS, BFC Daugavpils, FK Jelgava and Valmiera FC in the Latvian top flight. Across those spells, he has accumulated 164 Virslīga appearances and scored eight goals.
A two-time Virslīga champion with Valmiera FC and RFS, Balodis joins an Auda side currently sitting third in the league standings and already through to the semi-finals of the Latvian Cup.
On the international stage, the defender has earned 27 caps for Latvia and scored one goal.
