Roko Simic Set for Cardiff City Exit to Lokomotiva Zagreb 2026

Key Points

• Cardiff City striker Roko Šimić is being targeted by Croatian club NK Lokomotiva for a loan deal during the current transfer window.
• As reported by Glen Williams of Wales Online, Croatian media outlet Večernji list originally indicated that Lokomotiva Zagreb have made a formal approach to bring their former forward back to his homeland.
• The 22-year-old forward has yet to make a single competitive first-team appearance for Cardiff City since joining the club on a four-year contract in August 2024.
• Former Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut appeared to distance himself from the transfer when Šimić was initially signed from Red Bull Salzburg.
• Šimić spent time on loan at Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk before being deemed surplus to requirements under manager Brian Barry-Murphy and subsequently loaned out to German 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC.
• Following a difficult spell in Germany where he scored three goals in 28 appearances, Šimić has been omitted from Cardiff City’s matchday squad, with two years remaining on his contract in South Wales.

Cardiff City (Cardiff Daily) August 13, 2026 – Cardiff City forward Roko Šimić is reportedly on the verge of departing the Welsh capital as former club NK Lokomotiva attempt to secure his services on a seasonal loan deal. As reported by Glen Williams of Wales Online, citing reports from Croatian publication Večernji list, the Zagreb-based club have submitted an inquiry to negotiate the return of the 22-year-old striker. Šimić, who completed a permanent move to Cardiff City from Austrian Bundesliga giants Red Bull Salzburg in August 2024, has struggled to establish himself in South Wales and has failed to make a single senior appearance for the Bluebirds. With two years remaining on his current contract at Cardiff City Stadium, the former Croatia Under-21 international has been left out of recent matchday squads, paving the way for another temporary move away from the club.

Which club is attempting to sign Cardiff City striker Roko Šimić?

NK Lokomotiva have launched a bid to bring centre-forward Roko Šimić back to Croatian football on loan. As reported by Glen Williams of Wales Online, Croatian news outlet Večernji list broke the news that the Zagreb club are actively seeking to reinforce their attacking unit ahead of the campaign and view Šimić as an ideal acquisition.

The move would represent a homecoming for Šimić, who originally rose through the academy ranks at Lokomotiva Zagreb before earning a high-profile €4 million transfer to Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2021.

Lokomotiva are keen to capitalize on Šimić’s current situation in South Wales, offering the young striker a structured environment to revive his career following several difficult seasons across European football.

What has been reported regarding Roko Šimić’s position at Cardiff City?

As detailed by Glen Williams of Wales Online, Šimić’s tenure at Cardiff City has been complex since his arrival in August 2024 on a four-year deal. Upon his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, then-manager Erol Bulut publicly distanced himself from the signing, signaling that the purchase was part of a long-term club strategy rather than an immediate tactical requirement for the first team.

Consequently, Šimić was immediately sent out on loan to Belgian Pro League outfit KV Kortrijk for the initial stage of the 2024/25 season. Upon returning to South Wales, Šimić found himself low in the club’s offensive pecking order under manager Brian Barry-Murphy and was deemed surplus to requirements.

The forward was omitted from Cardiff City’s competitive matchday squad at the start of the current campaign, further underlining his position on the margins of the first-team setup.

How has Roko Šimić performed during his recent loan spells?

Prior to NK Lokomotiva’s loan approach, Šimić underwent multiple loan stints across European leagues. After his brief period in Belgium with KV Kortrijk, Šimić was loaned to German 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC for the 2025/26 campaign.

During his time in Germany, the 6ft 3in forward found consistency hard to come by, completing the season with a modest return of three goals and one assist across 28 appearances in all competitions. This output did little to alter his standing at Cardiff City Stadium ahead of his return to Wales.

Prior to his Cardiff move, Šimić had also gained professional exposure during loan periods with Austrian 2. Liga club FC Liefering—where he scored 19 goals in 24 games—and Swiss Super League side FC Zürich, where he netted four times in 16 outings.

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What is the background of Roko Šimić’s football career and journey to Cardiff City?

Born in Milan, Italy, on September 10, 2003, Roko Šimić is the son of former Croatian international footballer Dario Šimić. He developed through the youth setups of Dinamo Zagreb, Kustošija, and NK Lokomotiva. Šimić made his senior professional debut for Lokomotiva Zagreb in August 2020 at the age of 16.

During his breakthrough season in the Croatian top tier, he made 25 league appearances and scored three goals, helping the club preserve its top-flight status while also scoring in the Croatian Cup.

His early potential prompted Red Bull Salzburg to sign him on a long-term deal in July 2021. During his spell with Salzburg, Šimić made 54 senior appearances, scoring seven goals, winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles, and finishing as the joint-top scorer in the 2021/22 UEFA Youth League.

Internationally, Šimić represented Croatia across multiple youth age groups, earning 20 caps and scoring eight goals for the Croatia Under-21 national team.

How could Roko Šimić’s proposed move to NK Lokomotiva affect Cardiff City and the player?

A completed loan agreement between Cardiff City and NK Lokomotiva presents distinct implications for Cardiff City, the player, and the Croatian club:

• Impact on Cardiff City: For the Bluebirds, sanctioning a loan move allows the club to reduce their wage bill and resolve an immediate squad depth issue. Given that Šimić is not currently feature-listed in manager Brian Barry-Murphy’s matchday plans, a temporary exit offers the club an opportunity to protect the player’s potential market value without keeping an unutilised senior player in the squad.
• Impact on Roko Šimić: For the 22-year-old striker, returning to NK Lokomotiva offers a familiar environment where he previously succeeded at the start of his professional career. Regular starting minutes in the Croatian top flight could enable Šimić to rebuild his form and confidence after consecutive low-scoring spells in Belgium and Germany.
• Impact on NK Lokomotiva: For Lokomotiva, re-signing Šimić adds physical presence and top-flight experience to their attack, strengthening their options as they aim for competitive stability in the domestic league.