Jasmin Kurtic was born on January 10, 1989, in Črnomelj of the former Yugoslavia, now Slovenia. He joined the academies of the local club Bella Kraina from a young age and in 2007 he was promoted to the first team. After three full seasons in the second division of the national championship, he caught the eye of Gorica, who gave him the opportunity to test his skills in the top division.

Six months later … Italy

His presence in Gorica proved to be short-lived, as his appearances in the first half of the 2010-11 season prompted Palermo to invest and bring him to Italy, a decision that was to be decisive for his career. In January 2011 he moved to Sicily, got his first chances in both the league and the cup, scoring his maiden goal in Serie A. However, in the summer he decided to leave on loan to gain more experience.

He moved to Serie B with Varese, where he became a key member of the team, making 43 appearances, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.

Return to Sicily and the breakthrough

After his adventure with Varese, he returned to Palermo ready to knock on the door of the starting XI and fight to establish himself, now being an international with his country. In fact, he made his debut in a friendly against Greece, in which he scored a goal from a direct free-kick.

The 2012-13 season ended on a positive note, as he played 32 times in the top flight.

In the summer of 2013, Palermo reached an agreement to sell the player to Sassuolo and Kurtic moved to the newly-established club. After six months, 18 appearances and two assists, Sassuolo decided to loan the player to Torino. The Slovenian midfielder maintained his high numbers there, with 16 games and two goals under his belt.

From Florence to … Bergamo

The co-ownership of the player from Parma and Sassuolo ended in favor of the latter, which, however, decided to loan him out to Fiorentina. It was also the first time that the player crossed paths with PAOK, as Fiorentina faced the Double-headed Eagle in the Europa League groups.

In Florence, Kurtic had a strong season with 28 appearances and one goal, impressing the scouts of Atalanta who moved to acquire him.

On June 25, 2015, Kurtic joined the Bergamo club and over the next two and a half seasons he continued to impress with his performances.

With Atalanta, he recorded a total of 92 appearances, with 10 goals and two assists up until January 2018, when he was loaned out to SPAL.

Permanent move to SPAL, and then on to Parma

After six months, SPAL decided to pay just over five million euros to make Kurtic their player outright and the club were vindicated, with the player becoming a vital member of their midfield.

The Slovenian remained with the club until January 2020, making 65 appearances and scoring nine goals while dishing out five assists.

Parma, who were seeking a solution for their central midfield, also paid around five million to SPAL for his services after Kurtic first impressed during a loan spell there.

Overall at Parma he played 57 times, scoring six goals, and produced one assist.

The national team chapter

Kurtic, as mentioned earlier, started his career in the Slovenian national team in May 2012 and since then he has played in 68 matches as a full international to the present day, having scored two goals and producing four assists.

Welcome Jasmine!