HNK Hajduk Split has this week signed a contract with Belgian midfielder Leander Dendoncker. The experienced international arrives as a free agent after terminating his deal with Spanish side Real Oviedo and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Whites.
Dendoncker is 31 years old and brings extensive experience from the English Premier League, where he played over 150 matches for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Aston Villa paid approximately 15 million euros for him in 2022. The Belgian has also played for Anderlecht, Napoli, and Real Oviedo, and he won a bronze medal with the Belgian national team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Index.hr Sport reported that his previous contract with Oviedo, which ran until 2027, was terminated following the club's relegation from La Liga.
Where will Dendoncker play for Hajduk?
Head coach Robert Graf has been seeking midfield reinforcements that bring physicality, match intensity, and character. Dendoncker is a defensive midfielder capable of playing multiple roles in the center of the park. His profile matches the club's desired shift towards greater stability and defensive solidity.
Hajduk currently has two central midfield positions to fill. Competing for those spots, alongside Dendoncker, are Adrion Pajaziti, Alberto Del Moral, and Khalil Fayada. The Belgian is described not as a creative player but as a hard worker who supports build-up play and can mentor younger teammates. Graf emphasized the importance of mentality, stating: "Trener mi je pričao o taktici, ali sve počinje od karaktera, odnosno stava."
What is Hajduk's situation ahead of his arrival?
The team sits 4th in the HNL table with 10 points from five matches played. Their record is three wins, one draw, and one loss, with their last three outings yielding a win-draw-loss form. The Whites have a positive goal difference of +6, having scored 11 and conceded 5 goals. They trail leaders NK Osijek by just two points, which is particularly notable following a convincing 4-0 victory against that same opponent on August 23rd. The next challenge is a home match against NK Slaven Belupo on September 12th, which you can follow on our fixtures page.
When can we expect Dendoncker's debut?
The player had injury issues and limited playing time since January, which contributed to the split with Oviedo. According to available information, he has not suffered major injuries earlier in his career. He is expected to be fit for Hajduk's first match against Ajax, scheduled for on or before October 15th. This gives him ample time to integrate into the new system and prepare. The current squad availability can be checked on our squad page.
This transfer clearly indicates the direction Hajduk wants to take for the rest of the season. Dendoncker brings international experience and a work ethic that should aid the team in the title race. The Belgian midfielder's contract runs until the summer of 2028.
