HNK Hajduk Split is facing significant transfer changes as their two most valuable players, Rokas Pukštas and Niko Sigur, are preparing to leave the club. According to reports from Index.hr Sport, both players could depart Poljud within days, bringing the club substantial financial resources. Hajduk currently sits fourth in the HNL table with 7 points from four matches, and they visit NK Lokomotiva Zagreb on Sunday.
Where could Pukštas and Sigur end up?
Rokas Pukštas, the 22-year-old US international, is most likely heading to English second-tier side Middlesbrough. A transfer fee of around five million euros is being mentioned. Pukštas has played 141 matches for Hajduk, scoring 26 goals and providing 10 assists. According to Transfermarkt, he is the squad's most valuable player with an estimated worth of six million euros. His contract runs until summer 2027, meaning the club could lose him for free next year.
Niko Sigur, also 22 and Croatian, has attracted interest from several European clubs. Among those interested are Scottish Celtic, French Toulouse, and Spanish Valencia, with English clubs also mentioned. Toulouse has already submitted an offer of around two million euros, but Hajduk refused to consider it before the Conference League play-off return leg against Raków. Sigur has made 120 appearances for the Whites, scoring 5 goals and 5 assists, with Transfermarkt valuing him at four million euros.
How will this impact the current season?
The departure of two key players comes at a demanding time for coach Gonzalo García. Hajduk is competing in the Conference League and trails league leaders Dinamo Zagreb by just two points in the domestic championship. The team also has a positive goal difference of +4, with top scorer Marko Livaja netting three times. You can follow all matches on our fixtures page.
Sigur has recovered from injury and will be in the squad for the match in Poland, with his departure expected to be finalized after that fixture. Pukštas will play his final match for Hajduk in that same encounter. Both players have extensive experience at the club and form the team's backbone, requiring a swift adaptation.
What do these transfers mean for Hajduk?
The potential total income from the sales of Pukštas and Sigur ranges between eight and ten million euros. These are significant funds for the club, especially with the Croatian transfer window closing on September 7. The money could be used to strengthen the squad in the title pursuit, given the narrow points gap. You can view the current squad on our squad page.
In other news, former Hajduk defender Borja Lopez has found a new club in the Spanish fourth tier, Numancia. Also, former Hajduk and Dinamo coach Željko Kopić has taken over Polish side Wieczysta Kraków, signing a contract until the end of the season with an extension option. Hajduk must now focus on the match against Lokomotiva and maintaining their strong start to the season. You can check the current table on our standings page.
