Pro Recco have confirmed the return of Croatian national team captain Marko Bijac, with the experienced goalkeeper rejoining the Italian giants five years after the end of his first spell at the club.
The 35-year-old has signed for Recco after spending the past two seasons with Jadran Split. He previously represented the Italian club between 2018 and 2021, helping them win the Champions League during his final season.
Bijac began his senior career with Jug Dubrovnik, establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers before moving abroad. Since leaving Jug in 2018, he has played for Pro Recco, Olympiacos and Jadran Split, collecting domestic trophies in Italy, Greece and Croatia.
He is also a two-time Champions League winner. Bijac first lifted the trophy with Jug in 2016 before repeating the achievement with Recco five years later.
The goalkeeper made his senior international debut for Croatia in 2012 and has since enjoyed a hugely successful career with the national team.
He won Olympic silver medals in 2016 and 2024, while his World Championship record includes gold medals in 2017 and 2024. Bijac has also collected three European Championship medals, winning bronze in 2018, gold in 2022 and silver in 2024.
Competition for the number one cap at Recco will be significant. Bijac joins a goalkeeping department that already includes Italian international Gianmarco Nicosia, who produced a series of impressive performances during the 2025/26 season.
Bijac becomes Pro Recco’s second confirmed reinforcement of the summer, following the return of Hungarian left-hander Gergo Zalanki.
Di Fulvio set for Barceloneta move
While Recco have added two major international players, they are also preparing for the departure of one of the most influential figures in the club’s recent history.
Francesco Di Fulvio has said goodbye to Pro Recco after 12 years with the club. The longtime captain is expected to join Barceloneta, although the Spanish club have not yet officially announced the transfer.
Australian international Luke Pavillard has also left and will continue his career with Mladost Zagreb.
Goalkeeper Tommaso Negri will not be part of Recco’s playing squad next season but will remain at the club in a management role. Lorenzo Demarchi has also departed.
Major rebuild underway at Jadran Split
Bijac’s departure is part of a considerable summer rebuild at Jadran Split.
The Croatian runners-up have also lost Loren Fatovic, Jerko Marinic Kragic, Toni Nemet, Martin Celar and goalkeeper Duje Djula.
Jadran have so far confirmed three new arrivals. Toni Popadic has joined from Jug Dubrovnik, while fellow goalkeeper Mate Anic arrives from Zadar 1952.
Slovakian national team centre forward Lukas Seman has also signed after leaving Primorje Rijeka.
The return of Bijac and Zalanki signals Pro Recco’s intention to remain among Europe’s leading sides, although the departure of Di Fulvio marks the end of an important era for the Italian club.
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