Srđan Kuzmić is officially a Lorient player – Laurent Koscielny sees major potential

Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.

Slovenia international Srđan Kuzmić has completed his move from Viborg to Lorient, taking the 22-year-old defender into Ligue 1 for the next stage of his rapidly developing career.

Lorient have officially confirmed the transfer, with Kuzmić signing a contract running until June 2030 and taking the No.30 shirt. According to reports in France, Viborg will receive around €3 million for the versatile full-back.

From Slovenia through Denmark to Ligue 1

Kuzmić began his football career with Ilirija in Ljubljana before establishing himself in Slovenia's top flight with Mura, where he made 26 appearances. His performances earned him a move abroad in July 2023, when he joined Danish side Viborg.

Over the following three seasons, Kuzmić gradually established himself as an important first-team player. He leaves Denmark having made 86 appearances for Viborg, scoring six goals and providing five assists, with his progress also helping him break into the Slovenia senior national team.

One of Kuzmić's main strengths is his versatility. Although he predominantly operated as a left-back for Viborg, he can also play on the opposite flank, a quality that attracted Lorient after months of scouting.

"Srđan is a player we have been following for several months. He has a very interesting profile because he can play on both sides and still has considerable room for development," said Laurent Koscielny, Lorient's sporting director and former Arsenal and France defender.

"His experience in Denmark has helped him become more mature and consistent. We are convinced that he can quickly integrate into our project."

Kuzmić: "This is an important step for me"

Kuzmić has already made three senior appearances for Slovenia and will now have the opportunity to establish himself in one of Europe's five major leagues. He will also become the first Slovenian footballer to represent Lorient.

"I'm very happy to have become a Lorient player. This is an important new step for me. I really liked the project the club presented to me and I can't wait to discover Ligue 1, the Stade du Moustoir and my new team-mates," Kuzmić said.

The Slovenian defender also highlighted Lorient's reputation for giving young players opportunities to develop.

"Lorient is a club that trusts young players and allows them to progress in very good conditions. I will give everything to help the team and repay the confidence the club has shown in me."

For Kuzmić, the transfer represents another major step in a career that has taken him from Ilirija and Mura to Viborg and now Ligue 1 in the space of only a few years. Lorient's long-term contract also suggests the French club view the Slovenia international as a player capable of developing significantly further.