Good Luck Ivan Šunjić – From Partridge Homes

Everyone at Partridge Homes, the leading Estate Agents and Letting Agents for Footballers would like to wish our client, landlord, and friend Ivan Šunjić the very best of luck as he represents Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Seeing someone you have worked with closely step onto football’s biggest stage is a genuinely special moment — and one that everyone here is proud to be even a small part of.

Who Is Ivan Šunjić?

Born on 9 October 1996 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivan Šunjić is a defensive midfielder who has built a professional career across several countries and competitions. He grew up in Croatia and represented Croatian youth sides from under-16 through to under-21 level, earning a senior cap for Croatia in 2017. In 2024, he switched his international allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina — a decision that has since led him to the World Cup stage.

His Time at Birmingham City

Šunjić joined Birmingham City from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2019 for a fee of £6.3 million, arriving as a Champions League-experienced midfielder and a full Croatian international. Over the five years that followed, he became a familiar and respected figure at St Andrew’s.

He made 173 appearances in total for the Blues — 160 of those in the league — scoring 7 goals. Few players in that era gave more consistently to the club, and his commitment was recognised by the supporters and staff alike. He was one of the side’s more dependable figures during a turbulent period for the club.

In the 2023/24 season, Šunjić played 36 Championship matches as Birmingham finished 22nd and were relegated to League One. He was not offered a new contract following relegation and left the club that summer.

Life After Birmingham

Following his departure from Birmingham City, Šunjić joined Cypriot club Pafos FC in August 2024. The move proved an immediate success. He helped the club win their first ever league title in his debut season — a remarkable achievement for both player and club.

By November 2025, Pafos had extended his contract through to 2027, a clear sign of how highly they regard him. Across league and Champions League football, he has recorded 19 appearances, 1 goal, and 4 assists, alongside strong defensive numbers in interceptions and tackles won.

Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This is only the second time Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup — and the manner of their qualification made it all the more memorable. Coached by Sergej Barbarez and captained by Edin Džeko, they reached the tournament via a play-off final against Italy, which ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties.

They are placed in Group B, alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Group B Results So Far

In the opening match against co-hosts Canada, Bosnia led at half-time through Lukić’s first international goal before Cyle Larin equalised as a substitute in the 78th minute. Ivan featured in that game and earned a 6.4 Sofascore rating for his performance.

The second match, against Switzerland, proved more difficult. After a goalless first half in which Bosnia’s defensive organisation held firm, Switzerland scored four times in the final quarter to win 4-1. Johan Manzambi’s outstanding volley in the 74th minute opened the floodgates.

Bosnia currently sit on 1 point from 2 games. Their final group fixture against Qatar on 24 June is a must-win, with results elsewhere also needing to fall their way for progression to the Round of 32.

Our Relationship with Ivan

At Partridge Homes, we have had the privilege of working with Ivan and his family as his trusted property advisers. That relationship has continued beyond his time in Birmingham, and it is one we value greatly.

Helping professional footballers find the right home — quickly, discreetly, and without fuss — is something we have developed a strong reputation for across the Midlands. Whether a player is arriving mid-season, relocating their family, or managing a property portfolio from abroad, we understand the specific demands that come with a career in professional football.

You can read more about our track record in footballer relocations, including our 100% success rate across 19 Birmingham City FC player relocations in 2025–26, and find out why so many footballers choose to rent rather than buy.

What We Offer Professional Athletes

Our sports and entertainment service covers every stage of the property journey for professional players and their families:

• Footballer relocations — fast, confidential moves at any point in the season
• Off-market luxury rentals — access to properties not publicly listed
• Confidential property acquisitions — discreet buying support for players and their representatives
• Property management — full management for players who move clubs or go abroad
• Family relocation support — helping partners, children, and extended family settle in quickly
• End-of-tenancy and departure management — a smooth exit when a player moves on

We have assisted players from clubs across the Midlands and built long-standing relationships with agents, club welfare officers, and players directly. Ivan’s story is a wonderful example of what those relationships can look like over time.

Sretno, Ivane! 🇧🇦⚽

To Ivan — from everyone at Partridge Homes, we are right behind you. You have given a great deal to football in Birmingham, and now you have the chance to represent your country on the world stage. Go and enjoy every moment of it.

If you are a professional footballer, sports agent, or club welfare officer looking for property support in Birmingham or Solihull, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with the team at Partridge Homes to find out how we can help.