LAFC have loaned out forward Stipe Biuk to Spanish club Real Valladolid through the remainder of the 2023/24 La Liga 2 season.
Biuk originally joined the Black and Gold ahead of the 2023 MLS season for a reported figure of $6m, the second-highest transfer fee the Western Conference said have paid out for a player. Only the signing of Brian Rodriguez was more expensive, as LAFC shelled out roughly $11.3m to acquire his services back in 2019.
Valladolid have the option to make Biuk’s loan move permanent come summer should he impress in Spain. Although the exact specifications of the purchase option were not disclosed, LAFC would more than likely have negotiated a fee close to what they paid for Biuk in December 2022.
The 21-year-old never really found his footing at BMO Stadium, as he managed just three goals and one assist in 43 appearances in all competitions. He arrived after spending his entire professional career in Croatia with Hajduk Split, where he was a much more of a threat, scoring six goals and dishing out eight assists in 67 appearances as a youngster.
Biuk’s loan move will also help him remain in the Croatia U21 setup where’s already made 12 appearances since 2021. The young winger also represented the Croatia U17 national team, scoring once in six appearances.
Even though Biuk wasn’t contributing as much as LAFC would’ve liked, his departure still leaves a hole that must be addressed before the 2024 season. As of right now, LAFC have Denis Boaunga, Mateusz Bogusz and Cristian Olivera to man the front line, and they’ll need a few more additions up front if they are to compete at the highest level in all competitions in 2024.
