NK Osijek extends Anton Matković contract until 2028

NK Osijek has extended the contract of striker Anton Matković until 2028. The agreement includes an option for one additional season. The club confirmed the deal after earlier reports from Germanijak.

Matković was born on 19 February 2006 in Slavonski Brod. He joined NK Osijek in 2022. The forward has developed through the club’s youth system before breaking into the senior squad.

He made his first team debut in November 2023 in a match against Hajduk. Matković scored his first goal for the senior side later that season against Dinamo. These milestones marked his transition to regular first-team involvement.

Matković has made 56 appearances for the NK Osijek first team. He has scored eight goals and provided two assists during this period. These statistics reflect his contribution before his recent injury layoff.

The striker is a Croatian youth international. He has represented his country at U17, U19, and U21 levels. This international experience highlights his status as a promising talent in Croatian football.

Matković suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April. The injury occurred during a match against Varaždin. This setback required surgical intervention and a significant rehabilitation period.

Matković noted that exactly six months will have passed since his surgery in five days. This timeline indicates he is progressing through the standard recovery phase for such an injury.

Coach Federico Bessone stated that Osijek will not seek a new striker. The coach plans to rely on Leon and the returning Matković for attacking options. This decision underscores the club’s confidence in its current forward line.

Sports director Kenneth Zandvliet expects Matković to rejoin the squad in March or April. This projection provides a tentative timeframe for the player’s return to competitive action.