He’s tried both Serbia and Slovenia already, and got virtually zero playing time. He needs to be playing.
Those 6 mths in Eastern Europe wouldn’t have been easy. I understand he is a Croatian speaker not Serbian?? Still regardless he has taken a more difficult route, than the US College football path that someone like Brotherton initially took.
He may just mature quicker/develop a mental toughness earlier - which will go a long way to helping him succeed thousands of miles away from friends and family.
Also far more scouts will get to view him in the UK than NZ. So ups to him for preserving up north.
Good luck to him, and hopefully he can crack a pro career somewhere in Europe long term.