Duje Ćaleta-Car is signing for Italian side Sassuolo after the club reached an agreement with Olympique Lyon. The transfer was exclusively reported by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, August 29, 2026.
The Croatia defender will thus get a new club in Serie A, adding to his extensive experience across five different leagues. Ćaleta-Car spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, where he won the Copa del Rey and made 32 appearances. The Basque club did not activate the purchase option set at four million euros, so the Croatian defender returned to Lyon. With his contract at the French club expiring in a year, Lyon decided to sell the player.
Where will Ćaleta-Car play next?
Italian top-flight side Sassuolo has become the new destination for Duje Ćaleta-Car. This will be the Croatian centre-back's first stint in Serie A, opening a new chapter in his career. Ćaleta-Car stated in June that he had hoped to stay in San Sebastian, where his family settled well, but he respected the club's decision.
Sassuolo moved quickly and reached a verbal agreement with Lyon. The transfer will be formally completed after contract signing and a medical. For the Croatia national team, this is positive news ahead of important international duties.
What is the status of the Croatia national team?
The Croatia national football team currently sits second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group. After three games played, the team has six points, with two wins and one loss. They have scored five goals and conceded five, resulting in a goal difference of zero.
The last result was a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in early July. Their form in the last five matches is three wins and two losses, with the last two games being defeats. Their next challenge is an away match against Czechia on September 26, and you can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
How will the transfer impact the national team?
Stability and regular playing time at a high level are key for any international player. Ćaleta-Car's move to the Italian league should secure him sufficient minutes to maintain his fitness. This is important for the manager, who will have an experienced defender available for future qualifying battles.
The national team pool is currently strong, and you can track all player statistics on our stats page. Ćaleta-Car will face the challenges of Italian football for the first time in Serie A. His experience from Spain, France, and England will be a major asset to his new club.
What's next for the Croatia national team?
After this summer's transfer activity, the focus for Croatia shifts to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The away match against Czechia will be a cornerstone for continuing the fight for a World Cup place. You can check the current group standing on our standings page.
The good form of key players, including Ćaleta-Car in his new surroundings, will be vital for success in these decisive months. The team has clear objectives, and every player who features regularly for a strong club contributes to achieving those ambitions.
