# Croatian players sign with Aris clubs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-players-sign-with-aris-clubs
> Updated: 2026-08-08T07:53:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

In July, Greek Super League side Aris Thessaloniki signed 26‑year‑old Croatian left‑back Roko Jurisic on a three‑year contract after a medical. He arrived from Osijek, where he logged 76 appearances, and is expected to add intensity to the left side of defence under coach Michał Grzegorzek.

In August, Cypriot club Aris Limassol completed the transfer of 22‑year‑old Croatian centre‑back Juraj Badelj from Romanian champions Universitatea Craiova. Badelj signed a five‑year deal worth €600,000, with Craiova retaining a 15% sell‑on clause. He had joined Craiova in January 2023 from NK Rudeš, made 75 appearances, scored once and provided a decisive pass, and helped the team win the league, cup and super cup in the 2025/26 season. He also featured in a domestic league match and a UEFA Champions League qualifying round in the 2026/27 campaign before moving to Limassol.

These moves illustrate a growing pattern of Croatian footballers joining clubs bearing the Aris name across different European leagues.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Marius Șumudică nears return to CFR Cluj amid squad restructuring

Marius Șumudică is nearing a return to CFR Cluj, while Romanian Superliga action sees Petrolul defeating Oțelul and debates continue over the prevalence of foreign coaches in the league.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juraj-badelj-transfers-to-aris-limassol-from-universitatea-craiova

### 2026-07-21: Aris signs Croatian left‑back Roko Jurisic on three‑year deal

Aris have secured 26‑year‑old Croatian left‑back Roko Jurisic on a three‑year contract after a medical in Thessaloniki, adding him to replace aging options at left‑back.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-signs-croatian-leftback-roko-jurisic-on-threeyear-deal

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Cite as: Croatian players sign with Aris clubs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-players-sign-with-aris-clubs