Nigerian midfielder Adeshina Adetunji has completed a season-long loan move to Croatian top-flight side Slaven Belupo from Austrian club LASK, as he looks to secure regular first-team football and continue his development in European football.
The deal was confirmed by both clubs on Friday, with Slaven Belupo also securing an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2026/27 season.
The move brings an early end to Adetunji’s stay in Austria after a difficult first campaign with LASK, where opportunities proved limited despite the club enjoying a highly successful season.
Nigerian midfielder Adeshina Adetunji has completed a season-long loan move from Austrian champions LASK to Croatian top-flight club Slaven Belupo, who also hold an option to make the deal permanent.
Adeshina joined LASK from Serbia in July 2025 on a long-term contract that runs until 2028. However, the Nigerian midfielder found first-team minutes difficult to come by, making just one appearance in the Austrian Bundesliga and another in the domestic cup as LASK completed a league and cup double.
With competition for places restricting his playing time, all parties agreed that a temporary switch would provide the 20-year-old with the opportunity to play consistently at senior level.
READMORE: ‘I want to stay’ – Tochukwu Nnadi responds to transfer rumours
Slaven Belupo believe the midfielder can strengthen their squad ahead of the new Croatian season, while Adetunji will be hoping to establish himself in the Croatian top flight and demonstrate the qualities that earned him a move to Austria.
The loan also represents another important step in the Nigerian’s European journey, offering him a fresh environment in which to gain valuable experience and accelerate his development.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Should he impress during the campaign, Slaven Belupo have the option to convert the loan into a permanent transfer, while LASK will continue monitoring the progress of a player they still view as a long-term prospect.
