Arka Gdynia have completed the signing of Elian Demirović, a 26-year-old Slovenian midfielder, on a permanent deal. The new arrival’s contract runs until June 2028 with a one-year extension option, giving the Gdynia side extra firepower as they plot a swift return to the Ekstraklasa after last season’s relegation.

What happened?

Demirović isn’t just any new face. The Slovenia international came through the Inter Milan academy at 16, but never broke into the first team. After stints in Italy’s third tier, he returned to Slovenia in the summer of 2025 and delivered his strongest senior campaign yet. In 31 league games for ND Primorje he logged over 1,800 minutes, scored four goals and made four assists, numbers that caught Arka’s eye.

Why it matters for Arka Gdynia

The move is the 14th transfer of this summer window for Arka, who sit 16th in the Ekstraklasa table with 34 points from 28 games (9 wins, 7 draws, 12 losses), 30 goals scored and 47 conceded for a -17 goal difference. Demirović is the fourth foreign player to join Marek Jarolim’s squad this summer, alongside Marco Komenda (Germany), Elmedin Rama (Albania) and Rami Rodriguez (Spain). He slots into a Polish-heavy roster that also includes experienced Ekstraklasa hands like Bartłomiej Pawłowski and Dominik Kun, plus younger talents Filip Waluś and Maksymilian Sznaucner.

Arka’s next fixture is at home to Nieciecza on 24 October 2026, a match that could prove pivotal in their push for promotion back to the top flight.

What’s next for Demirović?

At 26, Demirović already has over 60 appearances in Italy’s third division under his belt, a clear sign he’s no stranger to senior football. He left home at 16 for Inter Milan’s academy, so the move abroad is nothing new. While he never forced his way into the Nerazzurri first team, his career gathered momentum in smaller Italian clubs and then in Slovenia. Now he’s back in Poland’s top two tiers, aiming to help Arka bounce straight back up.

For Demirović, it’s a chance at regular football in a competitive league. For Arka, it’s a midfield boost they badly need as they chase promotion. The first signs are promising, but the real test comes on the pitch - and fast, given the club’s current form: a recent DWLDW run leaves little margin for error.