HNK Hajduk Split pulled off an impressive administrative operation, registering four new players for the Conference League group stage at the very last minute. The squad list for the European competition was submitted on Tuesday evening, just one hour before the official deadline, according to a report by Index.hr Sport.
The club managed to register forward Carlos Martín, midfielder Khalil Fayad, defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker, and defender Dennis Hadžikadunić. Hadžikadunić arrived three weeks ago and has already played his first official minutes against Lokomotiva. The other three signed in the last two days before the list submission.
How was the Carlos Martín transfer completed?
The story of Carlos Martín's arrival at Hajduk is a true deadline-day drama. The club initially abandoned efforts to sign the Spanish winger just a few days earlier. On the morning of the deadline, staff were not optimistic. Martín was very close to a loan move to Almería the day before, but that transfer collapsed because Atlético Madrid sent the documentation too late on the final day of the Spanish transfer window.
Around 10 AM, Hajduk renewed its efforts. Martín's manager and representatives were contacted, albeit with little hope. After initial talks, it became clear the transfer could be completed. The player himself inquired for more information about Hajduk, the team, playing style, and the role offered before giving his approval. Administrative work began in earnest around 7 PM. It involved finalizing the transfer, conducting a medical in Spain, registering the player, and submitting the Conference League squad list. Hajduk submitted the list at 11:10 PM. "The club is very satisfied with the way the job was done," club staff said.
What is the condition of the new signings?
Carlos Martín is fully ready and can participate immediately. Coach Gonzalo Garcia will decide when to use him. "It is now up to Garcia to decide when to use him," Garcia said. Dennis Hadžikadunić and Khalil Fayad are physically ready for minutes but lack match rhythm and adaptation to the new team. Leander Dendoncker will require the most patience to reach the required level. He is expected to be ready for significant minutes when Hajduk needs it most in the autumn, roughly from October 10th to the end of the month. During that period, Hajduk will face Dinamo, Ajax, Varaždin, and play away at Thun.
How will the new players fit into the lineup?
Dennis Hadžikadunić may get more minutes due to a minor injury to Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, who is unlikely to be in the squad for the match against Rudeš. The current standard central defensive pairing is Ron Raci and Dario Marešić. Hadžikadunić is not expected to automatically become a starter upon regaining full rhythm, but the club expects much from him and views him as a proper reinforcement.
Khalil Fayad is physically ready and highly motivated. He needs to adapt to Garcia's football, teammates, and tactical demands. He is seen as a backup option behind Martín for a more significant role. Fayad is a progressive midfielder who likes to carry the ball through lines. He may also play as a number ten, competing with Dalisson.
Leander Dendoncker was signed as a defensive six to provide duels, jumping, defensive stability, and protection in front of the center-backs. He needs time to reach the level of intensity Garcia demands. Hajduk currently sits 4th in the HNL with 10 points from 5 games, three wins, one draw, and one loss. They have scored 11 goals, conceded 5, for a +6 goal difference. They are three points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb. The next fixture is at home against NK Slaven Belupo, who are 9th in the table, on September 12, 2026. Details of the upcoming schedule can be found on our fixtures page, and the current squad on our player list.
With these reinforcements, Hajduk has strengthened its chances for the European campaign while competing domestically. The match against Slaven Belupo will be the first chance to see how the new players integrate into a team with a recent league form of WWWDL.
