NIKOLA KATIC

Born: 10 October 1996

Came from: FC Zurich (Switzerland)   Went to: FC Zurich (Switzerland)

First game: 01 February 2025   Last game: 03 May 2025

Appearances: 17 (16/1)   Goals: 1

Born in Ljubuski, Bosnia & Herzegovina in 1996, Katic spent his youth career at HNK Stolac, making his debut at the age of 16. In March 2014 he signed for Croatian side, Neretvanac Opuzen, where he made a total of 29 appearances, scoring twice. Nineteen months later he was on the move once again, this time joining Slaven Belupo. Throughout three seasons with the club, the imposing central defender made 69 appearances with his only goal coming in May 2017 in a 2-0 home win over Istra 1961. During his time at the Gradski Stadion, he made his senior international debut for Croatia in a friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles.

In June 2018, Katic signed for Rangers in a deal worth 2.3 million euros. He was an immediate hit with the fans at Ibrox, making his debut in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Shkupi from North Macedonia. His first goal for the Gers came in the same competition during a 1-1 draw with Croatian side, Osijek. In October 2019 he signed a four-year contract extension but just nine months later he suffered a serious knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament which led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In August 2021 he went on a season-long loan to Hajduk Split in a bid to get some game time under his belt, where he played 25 games for the Croatian side. Upon returning to Ibrox, he was unable to force his way into the first team and in August 2022 he signed for Swiss side, FC Zurich on a three-year deal, which was extended until 2026 in October 2023.

Katic made 86 appearances in all competitions for FCZ, during which time he applied to change sports citizenship from Croatian to Bosnian, a request that was approved by FIFA. He made his international debut for Bosnia & Herzegovina against England in June 2024, a game that saw The Three Lions claim a 3-0 win.

In January 2025 he joined Argyle on loan until the end of the season, making his debut less than 24 hours after arriving at Home Park, as the Pilgrims claimed a much-needed win over West Bromwich Albion.

Katic rapidly become a cult hero amongst Argyle fans - forming a formidable partnership with Maxi Talovierov under Miron Muslic as Argyle tried to avoid relegation from the Championship. The defence did tighten up but it wasn't to be enough, sadly.

He was, however, a key part of the club's momentous 1-0 win over quadruple-chasing Liverpool at Home Park in the FA Cup 4th Round on February 9th 2025, in what was just his second game for the club. He came to national prominence sending both himself and the club viral in the joyous aftermath. Having lost a tooth in the game, he then rather euphorically dropped the F-bomb through a gap-toothed smile, during a live post-match interview with ITV. His tooth was later found by ground staff.

He also weighed in with a goal in the next game, a 5-1 drubbing of Millwall on the Tuesday with the club still riding the wave of euphoria, post the Liverpool game.

However the story didn't have a happy ending. With Argyle relegated from the Championship and the mass exodus that followed, the chances of the relationship continuing was minimal. With Miron Muslic having abruptly left the club to join German giants Schalke 04, more bad news came the way of already disgruntled Argyle fans when it was revealed Katic had left FCZ to sign for Schalke 04 in Bundesliga 2, reuniting with Muslic and signing a three-year contract.

His debut for Schalke was peak Katic - scoring in the 23rd minute in a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin and then getting sent-off for a second yellow card deep into injury time, in front of an impressive 62,083.