Tornike Morchiladze is no longer a player of HNK Rijeka. The Georgian midfielder has moved to Spanish third-division side Club Deportivo Lugo, as reported by the club's official portal nk-rijeka.hr.
The club wished Morchiladze good luck in the continuation of his career. This transfer ends his stint in Rijeka, which began in the summer of 2025. He made a total of 13 official appearances for Rijeka, registering one assist.
Where will Morchiladze continue his career?
Tornike Morchiladze will continue his footballing journey in Spain. He has signed for Club Deportivo Lugo, a team currently competing in the Primera Federación, Spain's third tier. Lugo is known for its stable status in the lower divisions and often serves as a stepping stone for players looking to break through to a bigger stage. Morchiladze made his debut for Rijeka last season but failed to secure a regular starting spot. His departure frees up a squad place for which the coach already has alternatives.
What was his impact at Rijeka?
Morchiladze played 13 matches for Rijeka across all competitions. His most notable contribution was a single assist. Although not a regular starter, his presence in the wider squad was important during periods of injury to other players. With his departure, Rijeka will now have to rely on existing options in midfield. The current state of the squad can be tracked on our squad page.
What is the current HNL standings situation?
Morchiladze's exit comes as Rijeka prepares for a crucial fixture. The club is currently fifth in the HNL table with 7 points from four games played. Their record shows two wins, one draw, and one loss. They have scored five goals and conceded five, resulting in a zero goal difference. They trail league leaders NK Osijek by five points. Their recent form over the last four matches is DWLW, indicating inconsistent results. All league statistics are available on the standings page.
What's next for HNK Rijeka?
The most immediate challenge for Rijeka is just around the corner. Already on Tuesday, September 5, 2026, Rijeka will host league leaders NK Osijek at home. This is a direct clash to cut the deficit at the top of the table and a chance for the team to show its true quality. A win in this derby would significantly alter the dynamics at the summit of the championship. The full fixture list can be found on our fixtures page. Preparations for this major duel are already in full swing, and Morchiladze's departure will not disrupt plans as he was not a key player in this part of the season.
