South African youth international Matthew Palmer has earned a move to Croatia with Slaven Belupo Koprivnica from Ubuntu Football.
The Western Cape based academy has now produced their seventh European export in four years with the teenage centre-back the latest to make a move to Europe after a successful two-week assessment period with the top-flight outfit.
Palmer has been capped at U17 level for the South Africa national team and has been touted for a major future as a technically gifted left footed centre-back.
Last year he spent time in Norway with Lyn Oslo alongside two other teammates of the Ubuntu Academy, but his professional breakthrough has finally come with the club confirming his signing this week.
“The football here is very tactical and physical, which has pushed me to grow quickly. I have wanted the opportunity to play in Europe for years, and through patience, hard work, and dedication, that dream has now become a reality,” Palmer said about his move.
“Ubuntu has shaped me in so many ways — not only as a player but as a person. Since I was 12 years old, they have invested their time, effort, and belief into my journey.
“They are my second family, and I am deeply grateful. I am the player I am today because of that support. I am because we are.”
With the club viewing him as a player with immense potential, he’s been sent on loan to the second tier with NK Radnik Križevci who are currently in fourth place and chasing promotion.
Palmer is now set to get immediate first team professional football before returning to Belupo for pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign in Croatia – where he’ll be alongside former teammate and Botswana international Losika Ratshukudu.
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