HNK Hajduk Split are monitoring the situation of Spanish striker Carlos Martín after his deadline-day move to Almería collapsed at the last minute. According to a report by Index.hr Sport, the Croatian club are showing interest in Atlético Madrid's 24-year-old forward, who was left without a destination after the closure of the Spanish transfer window. Hajduk currently sit 4th in the HNL with 10 points from five matches, having secured a convincing 4-0 victory against NK Osijek in their last outing.
The Spanish transfer window closed on September 1st, with the deadline for La Liga player registration set for September 2nd at 23:59. It was at this point that the loan deal for Carlos Martín from Atlético Madrid to Almería fell through. Spanish media, including AS, reported that "the transfer was not completed in time". This has opened an opportunity for other clubs, including Hajduk.
Who is Carlos Martín?
Carlos Martín is a 24-year-old striker who came through the youth academy of Atlético Madrid. He made his first-team debut for the Madrid club in 2021 in a match against Osasuna. The player is under contract with Atlético until the summer of 2029. Last season he spent on loan at Rayo Vallecano, and prior to that had a successful spell with second-division side Mirandés where he scored 15 goals in 40 appearances during the 2023/24 season.
Martín also has experience in Spain's top flight. For Alavés he played 27 La Liga matches and scored two goals. The player's profile fits Hajduk's search for attacking reinforcements, especially considering the club has chosen to participate in the UEFA Europa Conference League and must submit their List A to UEFA by September 2nd. Hajduk's current attacking options can be reviewed in detail on our squad page.
What competition exists for Martín?
Besides Hajduk, other teams have shown interest in Carlos Martín. Atlético Madrid initially wanted to send the player on loan to Almería. Other Spanish clubs mentioned include Levante, Valladolid, Tenerife and Castellón. Outside Spain, English side Southampton also registered interest. However, after the move to Almería collapsed, the situation changed. As Hajduk stated, "Hajduk no longer has the competition it once had" given that the Spanish window has closed and English clubs can no longer register players.
How could Martín fit into Hajduk's squad?
Hajduk have made a solid start to the season with 11 goals scored and only 5 conceded, giving them a goal difference of +6. The club trails league leaders NK Osijek by just two points. Adding attacking quality like Martín's could help in their continued title challenge. The player's style, which includes good positioning and finishing, could fit well into Hajduk's offensive system.
The club is preparing for their next match against NK Slaven Belupo at home on September 12th, which you can follow on our fixtures schedule. Before that encounter, Hajduk will have the opportunity to further strengthen their squad. There is currently no official agreement between Hajduk and Atlético Madrid regarding Carlos Martín's transfer, but talks are ongoing. The player is currently registered with Atlético Madrid, and the Split club must act quickly to capitalize on this opportunity. All current season statistics can be found on our stats page.
Hajduk will continue to monitor developments regarding Carlos Martín, who could become an important addition for the remainder of the season. The next challenge for the Split club will be the home match against Slaven Belupo on September 12th at Poljud.
