HNK Hajduk Split has sent Fran Karačić on a season-long loan to NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. The club officially confirmed this move, which was hinted at on Lokomotiva's social media channels, according to a report by Index.hr Sport.
Hajduk coach Gonzalo Garcia openly told Karačić he was not in his plans for the right-back position. This led to a search for a new club, which has now concluded. Karačić returns to the club where he spent the majority of his career and once served as captain.
Why is Karačić leaving Hajduk?
Fran Karačić returned to Hajduk Split this summer after a loan spell at NK Osijek. In the first part of last season, he made 11 appearances for the Whites in the SuperSport HNL. However, coach Garcia made it clear he needed to find a new solution. "Gonzalo Garcia openly told Fran Karačić he needed to find a new club," reports Index.hr Sport.
This isn't the first time Karačić has changed environments. After progressing through Lokomotiva's youth categories and making his senior debut in 2016, he transferred to Dinamo Zagreb in 2020. He never played for Dinamo, instead being immediately loaned back to Lokomotiva. He later moved to Brescia before returning to Lokomotiva from Rudeš in 2024, then joining Hajduk.
What is Hajduk's situation ahead of the Lokomotiva match?
Hajduk currently sits 4th in the HNL with 7 points from 4 matches. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw, and one loss. They have a positive goal difference (+4) having scored 9 and conceded 5 goals. They trail leaders Dinamo Zagreb by just two points.
The team's top scorer this season is Marko Livaja with 3 goals in 4 appearances. A significant test comes this weekend when Hajduk hosts Lokomotiva Zagreb at Poljud, with the visitors sitting 6th in the table. Details of all upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page.
What does this loan mean for Karačić's career?
For the 30-year-old player, this is a return to familiar surroundings. Karačić is an Australian international, albeit an occasional one. He has already spent significant parts of his career at Lokomotiva and wore the captain's armband there. This loan provides him with regular playing time at a club he knows well.
For Hajduk, this move frees up a squad place and reduces wage costs. Coach Garcia has a clear vision for the right-back position, and Karačić didn't fit into those plans. You can follow the league standings on our standings page as the season progresses.
How will Hajduk prepare for the match against Lokomotiva?
The match on August 31, 2026, at Poljud will be particularly interesting due to Karačić's loan. Although he won't be able to play against his parent club under loan terms, his departure affects the dynamics of both teams. Hajduk will look to use their home advantage to close the gap on Dinamo.
The team has solid attacking potential, as shown by their goal tally. The remainder of the season will be challenging, and every win is important in the title race. Information on all players and their statistics is available on our stats page.
