Olympique Lyonnais signs Croatian defender Duje Ćaleta-Car on loan from Southampton

Olympique Lyonnais has announced the acquisition of Croatian international defender Duje Ćaleta-Car on loan from Southampton until June 30, 2024.

Ćaleta-Car, who arrives from Southampton where he scored two goals in 19 matches, brings considerable experience from various European leagues with a record of nearly 331 appearances.

The 26-year-old defender's career began at HNK Šibenik in Croatia. He subsequently moved to Austrian clubs FC Liefering and FC Juniors OÖ before joining Red Bull Salzburg in 2014.

During his four-season tenure with Salzburg, he played in 130 matches across all competitions, contributing to the team's four consecutive Austrian championship titles (2015-2018) and three national cup victories (2015-2017).

Ćaleta-Car returns to the French league where he had previously played four seasons with Marseille (2018-2022). With Marseille, he made 102 appearances in Ligue 1, participated in 18 European competitions, and played in nine Coupe de France matches.

Olympique Lyonnais expressed excitement to have the Croatian international, who boasts 23 caps and was a finalist in the 2018 World Cup alongside Dejan Lovren, in their squad.

According to the club, Ćaleta-Car's wealth of experience and skills fit perfectly into the criteria set by coach Laurent Blanc for the central defender position.

Ćaleta-Car is the third addition to Olympique Lyonnais after midfielder Skelly Alvero and defender Clinton Mata.

This move further strengthens the professional squad, which is currently at a training camp in Divonne-les-Bains preparing for the 2023/2024 season. The season will commence on August 13th with a match against Strasbourg.