FC Augsburg would have liked to give Dion Beljo another chance, but the returning loan player had other ideas. The 23-year-old striker has now signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
After moving from Croatia to Augsburg at the beginning of 2023, Dion Beljo played 45 competitive games for the Fuggerstadt club before they finally loaned him to Rapid Vienna last summer. He will not be making any further appearances for FCA – on Wednesday evening, the Fuggerstadt club and Dinamo Zagreb made Beljo’s transfer official. The exact terms of the contract have not been disclosed.
In addition to managing director Michael Ströll, new head coach Sandro Wagner was also unable to convince the 23-year-old striker to stay in Augsburg. The lack of appreciation Beljo felt from former coach Jess Thorup and former sporting director Marinko Jurendic was apparently too great.
“After his loan spell at Rapid Vienna, we showed Dion a future at FCA at the start of pre-season and held several talks,” said Ströll. “However, he expressed his desire to return to his home country. After constructive talks with Zagreb, we were able to find a solution that suits all parties and have agreed to his transfer request.”
Following Beljo’s departure, FCA still has three genuine center forwards in its squad, who are under contract until summer 2027 (Phillip Tietz and Steve Mounié) and 2028 (Samuel Essende). This could increase to up to €7.5 million through possible bonuses. The deal also includes a 15 percent sell-on fee. These figures would make the striker the most expensive player ever to move to the Croatian first division.
“I would like to thank those responsible at FCA for making my move to Zagreb possible,” said Beljo as he bid farewell. “A new chapter is beginning for me at Dinamo Zagreb and I am delighted to be back home.”
