Bosnian-Herzegovinian defender showcased exceptional physical fitness right at the start of preparations, while Hull City's coach does not rule out the arrival of two Croatian internationals.
Sead Kolašinac returned to Atalanta's training center and immediately made it clear that the summer break was no reason to relax. According to a report from Klix.ba, the experienced defender went through a series of demanding physical and motor tests, from measuring explosiveness and jump height to strenuous strength exercises and lifting extremely heavy weights, all at full intensity that justified the nickname 'Tank' that has followed him throughout his career.
Special attention was drawn to Kolašinac's work in the gym, where he handled heavy loads on the barbell. Photos and videos from the tests clearly show that the Bosnian-Herzegovinian footballer did not neglect his training during the break. In the past season, Kolašinac grew into one of the key leaders and pillars of the Italian club's defense, and his impeccable physical readiness from the very start of preparations sends a clear message that Atalanta can count on a solid backline in the upcoming season as well.
While Kolašinac builds his form in Bergamo, on the other side of Europe, in Slovenia, Hull City is undergoing preparations under the guidance of Croatian coach Sergej Jakirović. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the team defeated Turkish side Konyaspor 3-0 in Kidričevo, and Jakirović then spoke to Nova TV about possible reinforcements. Two Croatian internationals are in play: Toni Fruk, who according to Dnevno.hr is on the verge of leaving Rijeka, and Marco Pašalić, who currently plays for Orlando City in MLS.
'They are quality players and Croatian internationals, and that is very important when you come to a league like this. Marco showed at the World Cup that he can compete with the best', Jakirović stated for Nova TV, emphasizing that he knows both players well from their joint work at Rijeka.
The Hull City coach is aware of the media attention that accompanies every statement he makes about potential transfers. 'When I mention a player, it most often becomes a bombshell in the media space. I know Fruk and Pašalić very well. If there is a possibility for me to help and bring them in, I will do so. I know what they can do and I know they will give their all for me,' Jakirović said for Nova TV. He stressed, however, that the final decision does not depend solely on him: 'I respect the hierarchy and the chain of command, from the owner to the sporting director, so we all need to agree on the arrival of any player.'
Hull City has four more friendly matches ahead before they host Manchester United on August 22, 2026, in the first round of the English Premier League. This is a challenging opening test for a club that has returned to the top tier of English football, and Jakirović evidently wants the strongest possible squad by then. Whether Fruk and Pašalić will be part of that squad remains an open question for now, but the coach did not hide that he would gladly bring them in if everyone at the club agrees.
