The defending A Lyga champions FK Žalgiris have officially announced the signing of Croatian center-back Luka Dumančić.
Earlier today, we reported that Žalgiris were circling another Croatian defender, Petar Lela. However, in a swift change of direction, the club finalized a deal with Dumančić instead, signaling their confidence in the 26-year-old’s ability to anchor the backline.
Dumančić arrives after a strong season in the Slovenian top division, where he made 30 appearances for Nafta. The towering defender brings international experience from stints in Croatia and Italy, having developed through various competitive leagues.
A graduate of the famed Hajduk Split academy, Dumančić spent eight years with the club’s youth teams before launching his professional career abroad. In 2018, he signed his first pro deal with Serie B side Lecce, later going on loan to Serie C clubs Juve Stabia and Gozzano. He also featured for Lucchese in the same division.
In 2021, he returned to his homeland, signing with Inter Zaprešić and later playing for Rudeš and Solin in Croatia’s second tier. His steady development led to a move to Slovenia, where he stood out with consistent performances in the 2024–2025 season.
Dumančić will be eligible to officially represent Žalgiris once the Lithuanian transfer window opens on June 20 and all formal registration procedures are completed, including the expiration of his current contract with Nafta.
FK Žalgiris are currently enduring a tough spell in the A Lyga, sitting seventh in the table after 14 games with just 17 points — 13 behind league leaders FK Kauno Žalgiris and FC Hegelmann. On Tuesday, Žalgiris will learn their opponents for the upcoming UEFA Champions League first qualifying round.
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/sutarta-su-gyneju-is-kroatijos/
