Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic returned to La Liga on an 18-month loan deal with Las Palmas from Hamburg on Thursday.

The former Barcelona and Sporting Gijon playmaker had failed to establish himself in just six months with the German side since joining from Barca, making just seven appearances and scoring one goal.

"Las Palmas and German side Hamburg have agreed a loan until the end of the 2017-18 season for Croatian international Alen Halilovic," Las Palmas said in a statement.

"As part of the loan contract, Las Palmas has an option to buy the 20-year-old."

Halilovic was one of Europe's hottest properties when he was snapped up by Barca at just 17 from Dinamo Zagreb.

However, despite impressing on a season-long loan at Gijon last season, he was allowed to move to Hamburg in July.

Las Palmas sit 11th in La Liga just six points off the European places.