Stipe Perica, who returned to Croatian football last summer but did not make a significant impact at Rijeka, is part of a potential major exchange deal in the HNL. In exchange for Duje Čop's move to Rijeka, Perica would join Lokomotiva on loan until the summer. This exchange comes after Čop, a former player of Dinamo and Hajduk as well as the Croatian national team, was initially not allowed by Lokomotiva to move to Rijeka. However, it was revealed by sources close to Čop that he was willing to freeze his career until his contract with Lokomotiva expired in the summer. A compromise was eventually reached, allowing Čop to join Rijeka as a free agent, while Perica would move to Lokomotiva on a loan deal. This significant exchange in the HNL ensures both clubs can meet their immediate needs, with Perica looking to make a fresh start at Lokomotiva.