Josip Brekalo Set to Join Real Oviedo on Free Transfer

Croatian winger Josip Brekalo is set to join Spanish club Real Oviedo on a free transfer. He will travel to Spain this week for a medical and to sign his contract.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Brekalo recently terminated his contract with Fiorentina and reached an agreement with Real Oviedo to continue his career. He is expected to travel to Oviedo in the coming days to complete the final steps of his transfer, which will include medical tests and an official signing. Brekalo leaves Fiorentina as he was not part of their plans for the upcoming season. Until recently, he was linked with a return to Croatian football, but Oviedo moved swiftly to secure his signature.

WHAT IS REAL OVIEDO’S SITUATION?

Real Oviedo secured promotion to La Liga for the 2025/2026 season, having finished in the playoff spots in the Segunda Division. This will be their first appearance in the top flight since 2001.

The club have been rebuilding their squad to compete in a tougher league, aiming to avoid relegation. Brekalo’s signing is seen as a crucial reinforcement, bringing both experience and creativity to their attack.

Oviedo’s next match is against Real Madrid, last season’s runner-ups, and both teams will start the season looking to climb up the table. Oviedo’s immediate goal is to stay above the bottom three especially after having lost their opener to Villarreal by 2-0.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BREKALO AND OVIEDO?

Brekalo will undergo his medical and, if all goes well, sign his contract before their season opener. His arrival will add depth to Oviedo’s wide areas, and his experience of having played in Italy and Germany could help the club adapt to the pace of La Liga.

In recent years, Brekalo has played as a winger for Fiorentina and for Croatia as well, although he struggled for regular minutes last season. Oviedo, meanwhile, will look to integrate new signings quickly as they prepare for their first top flight campaign in over two decades. Fans will be watching to see if the team can collect early points and establish themselves among Spain’s elite clubs. According to recent reports, Real Oviedo have also reached an agreement to sign Eric Bailly on a free transfer.