Rijeka may target Emmanuel Ekong if Pasalic leaves the club.

Rijeka showed interest in Emmanuel Ekong during this summer. Ekong, primarily a left winger who can also play on the right wing and as a number ten, was on loan at Istra 1961 last season. He has returned to Empoli, but is not considered a first-team player. Despite having a contract with Empoli until 2027, the Italian club is not expected to create obstacles for his departure.

Rijeka, through Pjaca (former teammates at Empoli), expressed interest in Ekong at the end of the season and recently made a concrete call.

Emmanuel Ekong, a 22-year-old winger, is expected to move from Istra 1961 to Rijeka. Ekong, previously on loan at Istra, is seen as a replacement for Marko Pjaca, who is joining Dinamo. Former Swedish U20 international and Empoli player, Ekong, was encouraged to join Rijeka by his former teammate Pjaca. Despite his family's preference for a return to Sweden, a call from Rijeka could change his plans.