HNK Hajduk Split has drastically reduced the cost of its first team during the summer transfer window. The club cut its annual budget, representing a saving of just over 20 percent. This financial discipline comes as Hajduk leads the Croatian Football League with points from games, claiming a goal difference.
The task was completed by the club's official, Robert Graf, who marked it as his first major project in the transfer window. "Hajduk has drastically reduced the cost of the first team," Graf said. The reduction covers all first-team related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, agent fees, loyalty bonuses, and other contractual obligations. The goal is to achieve self-sustainability through revenue from outside Europe and player transfers, freeing the club from reliance on a single big sale or European qualification.
To achieve this reduction, Hajduk parted ways with a number of experienced players. Departures included Filip Krovinović, Zvonimir Šarlija, Hugo Guillamón, Anthony Kalik, Ismaël Diallo, and Ante Rebić. The club also sold Rokas Pukštas, Niko Sigur, and Bruno Durdov. On the other hand, new first-team players arrived, with most signed for minimal spending. Khalil Fayad cost euros, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck around euros, while others joined on loan or free transfers.
The new arrivals come with clearly defined terms that protect the club's treasury. Carlos Martin is on loan with a buyout clause of million euros. Marin Šotiček also arrives on loan, with Hajduk holding a purchase option of million euros. Dalisson has the lowest buyout option at euros. The club retains the right to activate these clauses for Dalisson and Šotiček. Goalkeeper Ivica Ivušić signed until and is the first-choice keeper, though Toni Silić is the backup. Marko Livaja holds a special status with goals and assists, and his contract expires in one year.
The club's financial plan includes further reduction of player costs to around million euros per year for the next two seasons. Robert Graf emphasized that sustainability does not mean stagnation. "It is an extremely difficult job that has been done, and the result for now is quite simple: Hajduk is cheaper, and the team looks better," he said. Development should include infrastructure, staff, and the youth system. Building a training camp has been identified as the top long-term priority. The full squad status can be followed on the squad page.
With this new financial stability, Hajduk turns its attention to the next league fixture. The opponent is NK Slaven Belupo, currently in place, with the match to be played at home. The full schedule can be viewed on the fixtures page.
