Riga FC has announced that Croatian midfielder Hrvoje Babec will continue his career with Croatian top-flight club NK Osijek, where his football journey first began, as the club has decided to exercise the option to buy him following the end of his loan spell.
The 24-year-old central midfielder originally signed with Riga FC in the summer of 2022. Over two seasons, Babec made a significant impact, appearing in 91 matches, netting ten goals, and registering five assists. His time was highlighted by lifting the Latvian Cup in 2023.
Earlier this year, Babec returned to familiar ground, joining Osijek on loan with an option to buy. The move proved fruitful — in 19 appearances across all competitions, Babec tallied three goals and two assists, quickly reestablishing himself as a key figure in Osijek’s midfield engine room.
Osijek has now triggered the purchase clause, making the transfer permanent. It’s a full-circle moment for Babec, who came up through the ranks of the Croatian side’s youth system.
Source: https://rigafc.lv/vienosanas-panakta-babecs-karjeru-turpinas-horvatijas-osijek/
