Toni Fruk

Executive Summary

Toni Fruk is a Croatian attacking midfielder born on 9 March 2001. He plays for HNK Rijeka and operates as a number 10 in the Croatian First League. He broke into the senior Croatia squad in 2025 and was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in May 2026.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

He profiles as a creator first, with the final ball prioritised over volume shooting. In the 2024-25 season for Rijeka he recorded 5 goals and 7 assists in 19 appearances with 43 key passes created. The same campaign shows defensive involvement with 16 tackles and 5 interceptions and an average match rating of 7.13, with 1 yellow card and 1 red card. Sources note he can play behind a central striker and has been used wide on the left, where he previously produced 14 goal contributions in 53 league appearances for Gorica. He is left-footed.

Career and Recent Context

Youth steps ran from NK NASK Nasice in February 2012 through NK Stampedo Youth and NK Stampedo U17 to Royal Excel Mouscron U21 from July 2018. He moved to Fiorentina Primavera in January 2019 for a fee of €1.5m, returned to Royal Excel Mouscron U21 in June 2019, then moved to NK Dubrava Tim kabel in December 2020. He joined ACF Fiorentina in June 2021, moved to HNK Gorica in July 2021, returned to ACF Fiorentina in June 2023, and joined HNK Rijeka in July 2023 for a fee of €4m.

Transfers and Outlook

Wrexham were reported exploring a late move for Fruk before the 1 September deadline, viewing him as an attacking midfielder who can play behind a striker. The contract with Rijeka runs until 15 June 2027.