Nathanaël Mbuku moves to Dinamo Zagreb

FCA have a buy-back option

Nathanaël Mbuku, who recently received his first call-up to the DR Congo national team, will not return to FC Augsburg after the international break. The 22-year-old attacker will join Croatian record champions and current league leaders Dinamo Zagreb for at least a season. The terms of this deal are undisclosed, but FCA does have a buy-back option.

Mbuku spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at French side AS Saint-Étienne, scoring four goals and registering two assists in 21 appearances as he played a key role in the side’s promotion to Ligue 1. The winger is now on his way to Zagreb, where he will get the chance to play in the Champions League. Last year’s Croatian champions have been drawn to play the likes of FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund in the league phase.

Chance for more game time in Croatia

“The move to Zagreb gives me the chance to play more, which is really important for my development as a young player. Zagreb is an internationally experienced team which is playing in the Champions League once again this season and is currently top of their domestic league. I’d like to thank the FC Augsburg board for allowing me to take this step,” commented Nathanaël Mbuku.

“After a positive loan in Ligue 2 last season, this transfer offers Nathanaël a very good chance to play regularly, be part of a strong and dominant team and test himself in European competitions. We’re convinced that this step will strongly aid his development, and we wish him all the best in Zagreb,” explained FCA sporting director Marinko Jurendic.