HNK Hajduk Split has agreed a deal to transfer midfielder Rokas Pukštas to English Championship side Middlesbrough. According to a report by Gol.hr, the offer worth five million euros satisfies both the club and the player, with final details to be sorted this week.
Pukštas, who joined Hajduk as a teenager in 2020, is leaving Poljud after six seasons. Before his move to England, the 22-year-old is expected to be available for coach Gonzalo Garcia in the crucial UEFA Europa Conference League play-off second leg against Raków on Thursday. The first leg at Poljud ended 2:2, and Hajduk needs this qualification to reach the league phase of a European competition for the first time in 16 years.
What does the fee mean for Hajduk?
The transfer of Rokas Pukštas represents a significant financial move for the Split club. The fee of around five million euros that Middlesbrough is expected to pay comes at a time when Hajduk's sporting director Robert Graf has openly spoken about the need for financial stabilization. The development and sale of young players is intended to play an important role in that plan.
Pukštas had been one of the most valuable players in the squad for some time, with Transfermarkt estimating his market value at six million euros. While there were hopes in previous years for a larger fee, this summer's offer proved to be a satisfactory solution for all parties. His contract at Poljud was valid until the summer of 2027, making this one of the last transfer windows where the club could expect significant compensation.
Who else was interested in Pukštas?
Interest in Rokas Pukštas did not come solely from England. Over recent months, reports indicated that several Bundesliga clubs were also keen on the American-Lithuanian midfielder, while interest from another English Championship side, Birmingham, was also mentioned. However, it was Middlesbrough that emerged as the most concrete suitor and their offer was ultimately accepted.
Pukštas had attracted attention from clubs in several top European leagues with his performances and attitude, but some previous offers did not lead to a deal. He now faces his first major transfer in his European career and the challenge of the demanding Championship.
What is Hajduk's current path in the HNL?
While preparing for a major European fixture, Hajduk sits in 4th place in the HNL table. After four matches, the White Ones have collected seven points, with a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss (WWDL). In terms of goals, the team has scored nine and conceded five, giving them a positive goal difference of +4.
In the title race, Hajduk trails leaders Dinamo Zagreb by two points. Their next domestic task is a home match against NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, who are currently 6th in the table, scheduled for August 31st. The team's top scorer so far this season is Marko Livaja with three goals in four appearances. You can follow all the latest standings on our standings page.
What comes next after Pukštas's departure?
The departure of Rokas Pukštas, who became one of Hajduk's most recognizable players thanks to his energy, combativeness, and work ethic, was expected regardless of the European qualification outcome. The team must now adapt without him. Coach Garcia has the task of leading the team into the Conference League group stage and then focusing on the domestic championship.
For Pukštas, however, his final task in the white jersey is to help the team end a 16-year wait for autumn European football in Poland. After that match, he is expected to join his new teammates at Middlesbrough. For a detailed overview of all upcoming matches, visit our fixtures page.
