Raków Częstochowa has decided to move Marko Bulat to the reserve team in the final days of August. The Ekstraklasa club demoted the defensive midfielder, for whom it paid 800,000 euros, after just 116 minutes of action in the new season.
According to the portal Transfery.info, which first reported the news, the 24-year-old Croatian was formally transferred to the reserves of "Medalików" on August 30. The decision comes at a difficult time for the team, which sits in last, 18th place in the table after four matchdays, with zero points and a run of four consecutive losses. Raków also has squad issues, with Erick Otieno currently on the injured list, which can be checked on our injuries page.
Why was Bulat moved to the reserves?
Kamil Głębocki of Transfery.info stated: "Bulat został przesunięty do rezerw 'Medalików', ale nawet w nich nie gra ze względu na zastrzeżenia co do jego zaangażowania." Sources at the portal indicate the player is not showing the proper motivation to fight his way back into the starting lineup. One journalist said: "Bulat jest bardziej zainteresowany organizowaniem turniejów w padla."
This is a radical move regarding a player with solid experience. Before his transfer to Poland, Bulat made 87 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb and 32 for Standard Liège. Last season for Raków, he played 44 matches, scoring four goals and providing six assists while spending 2508 minutes on the pitch. The contrast with his current involvement, limited to three brief substitute appearances, is stark.
What is Raków's situation in the league?
The decision on Bulat was made against the backdrop of the team's terrible start to the season. Raków Częstochowa has scored five and conceded eleven goals, resulting in a -6 goal difference. This means 'Medaliki' are already twelve points behind league leaders Legia Warszawa. The next fixture, scheduled for November 7, is an away match against that same leader, the details of which can be found in our fixtures schedule.
The current situation requires the coaching staff to focus intensely on available players. Bulat's absence, even if he didn't play much, reduces squad depth at a tough time. The full squad picture is available on our squad page.
What's next for the Croatian midfielder?
For now, there is no visible path back to the Raków Częstochowa first team for Marko Bulat. His contract remains valid, but the club is clearly signaling that commitment is the priority. The player is not even featuring for the reserves, an unprecedented situation for a player of his calibre and transfer fee.
The club must focus on upcoming challenges, and the next one is the match against Legia Warszawa in November. Raków Częstochowa will have to search for points without the help of the Croatian, whose future in Częstochowa is now in serious doubt.
