Ante Crnac (foto: Getty Images)
Ante Crnac’s rapid career climb continues, with Borussia Dortmund eyeing the Croatian forward as a potential replacement for Serhou Guirassy.
In just two years, Ante Crnac has gone from playing for modest Slaven Belupo to becoming a reported target for Borussia Dortmund — a rise few could have predicted.
According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Dortmund are monitoring the 21-year-old Croatian forward as they prepare for the possible departure of star striker Serhou Guirassy, who’s enjoyed a prolific season with 32 goals in 40 appearances. Manager Niko Kovač is said to be a strong admirer of Crnac’s versatility and work rate, seeing him as a potential addition to refresh Dortmund’s attacking options.
Crnac’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, he made his professional breakthrough at Slaven Belupo before earning a move to Polish champions Raków in September 2023. There, he impressed in a short spell before being snapped up by Norwich City in summer 2024 for €11 million, becoming one of the club’s biggest signings.
Since arriving in the Championship, Crnac has continued his upward trajectory, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists in 40 appearances — performances that haven’t gone unnoticed by European scouts. His current market value stands at €8 million (Transfermarkt), though Norwich reportedly value him higher given his contract running until June 2028.
With Borussia Dortmund bracing for offers for Guirassy and possibly seeking to inject new blood into their frontline, Crnac has emerged as a viable long-term project, capable of developing under Kovač’s guidance while providing immediate depth and dynamism.
Crnac’s path — from Dinamo to Slaven, from Raków to Norwich, and now linked to Dortmund — underscores a player with resilience, adaptability, and steady improvement. Should the Bundesliga giants make a formal move, it would mark yet another step up for a Croatian talent quietly making waves across Europe.