HNK Hajduk Split has been voted as having a better summer transfer window than eternal rivals Dinamo Zagreb, according to a reader poll. The survey conducted by Index.hr Sport showed a convincing victory for the Split-based club in fan perception of business quality.
A full 73 percent of over 5,000 voters stated that Hajduk did better business. Only 27 percent believed Dinamo had a more successful transfer period. These findings were published in September, shortly after the transfer window closed on September 7.
How did Hajduk achieve financial profit?
Hajduk achieved a strongly positive financial balance in the summer window. The club spent approximately 450,000 euros on fixed fees for incoming transfers. On the other hand, income from departures reached an impressive 9 million euros, with potential for additional bonuses and future sell-on percentages.
The most significant departure was Rokas Pukštas, who moved to Middlesbrough for about 5 million euros. Niko Sigur went to Toulouse for 3.1 million euros fixed plus bonuses, while Bruno Durdov was sold to Górnik for 900,000 euros with potential add-ons. This policy provided significant reinforcement to the club's coffers.
Which reinforcements arrived in Split?
Despite low incoming expenditure, Hajduk managed to strengthen the squad with several interesting names. The biggest incoming transfer was the signing of Leander Dendoncker. Dennis Hadžikadunić, Etnik Brruti, Mathieu Acapandié, Alberto del Moral, and Anđelo Šutalo all joined without transfer fees.
The attack was bolstered with loan deals for Dalisson de Almeida, Marina Šotiček, and Carlos Martín. All these reinforcements are included in the player list Hajduk submitted to UEFA for Champions League and Europa League competitions. The team currently sits fourth in the HNL table with 10 points from 5 games, three points behind leaders Varazdin. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 5, with their next challenge being an away match at Rudes on September 6, which you can follow on our fixtures page.
How does this compare with Dinamo's business?
Dinamo Zagreb had an active summer but with a different financial approach. The Blues spent about 1.85 million euros on fixed fees for new players. Income from sales reached 8 million euros thanks to the departures of Gabriel Vidović, Monsef Bakrara, and Marko Soldo.
Dinamo welcomed back Mislav Oršić and Luka Ivanušec, and also signed Stjepan Radeljić, Kiril Kravcov, Dominik Kotarski, Smail Prevljak, Aleks Stojaković, Noah Nsoki, Dani Rodríguez, and Iker Almena. Although both clubs generated significant income from sales, Index.hr readers clearly favored Hajduk's business model.
How is this season developing for the Whites?
Hajduk enters the autumn part of the season with a positive financial background and a strengthened squad. Their recent league form is WWWDL, showing a good start. With 11 goals scored and only 5 conceded, the team demonstrates good offensive efficiency and organized defense.
The club has already submitted its final player list to UEFA for European competitions, an important administrative step. You can review this season's squad in more detail on our squad page. The next test for the team comes tomorrow in an away match at Rudes, who currently sit 8th in the table. After that, track their position on the standings page as the season continues.
