Croatian football manager Srđan Lakić has given his assessment of the summer transfer business of HNK Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb. In a report for Gol.hr this week, Lakić specifically praised Hajduk's work in bringing Marina Šotiček from Basel.
Lakić, who spent two years in Hajduk's youth academy and now manages the careers of players including Dion Drene Beljo and Niko Galešić, brings a unique perspective to the rivalry. "I am happy for Hajduk, the whole of Dalmatia deserves it," Lakić said about the club's qualification for the Conference League. Hajduk currently sits 4th in the HNL with 10 points from 5 games, recording 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded 5, with a recent form of WWWDL.
What did Lakić say about the signings?
Lakić highlighted the arrival of Marina Šotiček as a particularly successful move by the Split club. "I think Hajduk and the whole of Dalmatia deserve it." the manager stated. According to Lakić, Šotiček is a player with great potential who will be a major reinforcement for the squad. Besides Šotiček, Hajduk brought in a series of other players this summer. These include Albanian Etika Brrutija from Malisheva, former Dinamo youth player Andrija Šutala, and Khalil Fayad from Montpellier.
How does Hajduk's summer transfer window look?
The list continues with the experienced Leander Dendoncker, Carlos Martín from Atlético Madrid, and Dennis Hadžikadunić from Rostov. The club also signed Albert del Moral from Real Oviedo, Dalisson de Almeida from Córdoba, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck from Twente, and Mathieu Acapandié from Nantes. This extensive list of reinforcements demonstrates the club's ambitions following their qualification for European competition. Hajduk currently trails leaders Dinamo by three points in the title race, making each new signing important. All squad information can be found on our squad page.
How is Hajduk preparing for the season's continuation?
The next test for the renewed team will be on September 12, 2026, when Hajduk hosts NK Slaven Belupo at Poljud. Belupo is currently in 9th place in the table. This match represents an opportunity for Hajduk to continue their good run of home results and close the gap at the top. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures portal. The current league position can be tracked in the standings section.
What did Dinamo do in the market?
Dinamo Zagreb was also active during the summer transfer window. Their most notable signings are Kirill Kravtsov from Sochi, Dani Rodríguez from Barcelona, and Iker Almene. Experienced players Luka Ivanušec and Mislav Oršić returned, while the club also signed Dominik Kotarski and Stjepan Radeljić. These reinforcements make the derby matches between these two clubs even more intriguing. Srđan Lakić expressed hope that a stronger Hajduk would also push Dinamo towards better business practices, which would benefit all of Croatian football. Hajduk will demonstrate the value of this summer's investment through their performances in the Conference League and the title fight.
