Current Squad Status: Who’s Staying, Who’s Leaving, and the Key Transfers

As of June 2024, Hajduk’s squad is in flux with several high-profile departures and arrivals shaping the foundation for next season. The most significant confirmed departure is Mislav Oršić, the club’s captain and one of Croatia’s most promising talents, who has agreed terms with a Premier League club pending final medicals. His departure leaves a void in both midfield and leadership.

On the incoming front, Hajduk has secured the services of 23-year-old winger Josip Brekalo from Dinamo Zagreb on a four-year deal, ending a bitter transfer saga that saw the player initially reject Hajduk before changing his mind. The signing strengthens Hajduk’s attack but creates a new dynamic in their eternal rivalry.

Other notable movements include:

• Defensive reinforcements: Hajduk has reportedly reached an agreement with Ivan Grbić (30, 150+ Prva HNL appearances) from NK Osijek on a free transfer, providing much-needed experience at center-back.
• Youth prospects: The academy has produced several promising talents, with 20-year-old midfielder Mateo Kovačić earning first-team minutes in recent pre-season friendlies and expected to challenge for a regular starting spot.
• Goalkeeping competition: With Ante Čulić (28) set to leave for a European club, Hajduk will need to develop young talent like Mateo Vuković (22) more quickly than originally planned.

Tactical Evolution: How New Coach Ivan Katalinić Will Shape Hajduk’s Playstyle

After serving as assistant to Zoran Vulić for three seasons, Ivan Katalinić (42) was named head coach in May 2024, tasked with modernizing Hajduk’s traditionally direct and physical approach. Katalinić, who spent five years coaching in the Croatian lower leagues, has emphasized a more possession-based system with higher pressing intensity.

Key tactical adjustments expected:

• 4-2-3-1 formation: Hajduk’s traditional 4-4-2 will likely evolve into a more flexible 4-2-3-1, with the double pivot providing cover for the attacking midfield trio. Katalinić has worked with similar systems in his lower-league stints.
• Higher defensive line: Under Vulić, Hajduk often played a low block, but Katalinić has stated he wants the team to press higher and win the ball in opponent territory more frequently.
• Direct counterattacks: While building from the back will be emphasized, Hajduk will retain their trademark quick transitions, particularly when in possession of the ball in their own half.

Challenges ahead: The biggest hurdle will be implementing this system with a squad that has historically thrived on physicality and direct play. Younger players like Brekalo and Kovačić will need to adapt quickly to Katalinić’s demands.

Financial Realities: How Hajduk Will Compete in an Expanding League

The 2026/2027 Prva HNL will expand from 10 to 12 teams, adding NK Istra 1961 and NK Varaždin as new entrants. While this increases commercial opportunities, it also raises the competitive level significantly.

Hajduk’s financial situation remains precarious:

• Revenue streams: The club generates approximately €12–15 million annually from matchday revenue, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, but faces growing costs in player wages and infrastructure.
• Debt situation: According to Hajduk’s 2023 financial report, the club carried €28 million in debt, with €8 million classified as short-term liabilities.
• Transfer budget: While Hajduk can afford one or two high-profile signings, they will need to rely heavily on free agents and academy graduates to maintain competitiveness.

Comparison: Dinamo Zagreb’s annual revenue exceeds €30 million, with significantly lower debt levels, giving them a clear financial advantage. Hajduk’s ability to bridge this gap will determine their long-term success.

The Dinamo Zagreb Rivalry: What’s at Stake in the Eternal Derby

The Hajduk-Dinamo rivalry remains the most intense in Croatian football, with the 2026/2027 season poised to be particularly significant as both clubs vie for domestic supremacy. While Dinamo has dominated recent years—winning five of the last six league titles—their recent European struggles have given Hajduk hope.

Key factors in the rivalry:

• Head-to-head record: Dinamo leads the all-time series 125-89-71, but Hajduk has won 12 of the last 20 meetings in the league.
• European qualification: The top four teams qualify for UEFA Champions League qualifiers, with fifth place earning Europa League entry. Hajduk has qualified for European competition in 10 of the last 12 seasons.
• Fan culture: Poljud Stadium (capacity: 35,123) will host at least one derby, with Hajduk’s ultras known for creating an electric atmosphere.

Historical context: Hajduk’s last league title came in 2015, ending a 14-year drought. Since then, Dinamo has been the dominant force, but Hajduk’s ability to consistently challenge them—even when outspent—has made them the heart of Croatian football.

Youth Development: Can Hajduk’s Academy Produce the Next Generation?

With limited financial resources for transfers, Hajduk’s future hinges on their ability to develop talent through their renowned academy. The club has produced stars like Ivan Perišić (Inter Milan, Werder Bremen) and Domagoj Duvnjak (VfB Stuttgart), but recent years have seen fewer first-team breakthroughs.

Current academy prospects to watch:

• Mateo Kovačić (20):** Midfielder who has impressed in pre-season and is expected to push for a regular starting spot in central midfield.
• Luka Ivančić (19):** Young striker who has shown promise in the reserves and could challenge for minutes if Brekalo struggles.
• Ante Šimundža (21):** Experienced defender who has spent time on loan and could provide depth at right-back.