Valentin Akrap, a 23-year-old forward, has joined Varaždin from the Austrian third-division club SV Lafnitz, signing a contract until 2028. His career has also included time with Salzburg, SV Ried, and Hertha Wels. During the previous season, Akrap scored 14 goals in 24 league matches and started the current season by scoring four goals in six games. Akrap expressed his happiness about the opportunity to come to Varaždin, stating his first impressions were excellent. He noted that the players and coaching staff had welcomed him warmly and that the working conditions were fantastic, adding that the club's reputation for giving young players a chance and making progress each season influenced his decision.