Hull City has sent a concrete offer to Benfica, while Betis seeks a compromise. Mateo Kovačić confirmed he is staying at Manchester City, and Dinamo is close to bringing in reinforcements from PSG and Russia.
The transfer window in Croatia runs until September 7, and the most buzz is around 22-year-old Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović. Two clubs have seriously gone after the Benfica player, and according to information from radio station Onda Cero and the newspaper A Bola, they are Spain's Real Betis and England's Hull City.
Hull City, coached by Sergej Jakirović, has reportedly already sent an offer for Ivanović. According to unofficial information from Index, it is an amount that could bring Benfica between 20 and 25 million euros. The Portuguese club paid 22.8 million euros for him last summer, so it's clear they want at least to recoup their investment.
On the other hand, Real Betis, who will compete in the Champions League next season, are also interested in the Croatian striker. In Seville, they believe the asking price is too high and are trying to negotiate a transfer for a lower fee. The initial model was a one-year loan with a purchase option, covering the salary and a loan fee, but that didn't suit Benfica, who prefer an immediate sale or a loan with an obligation to buy.
At Betis, they figure Ivanović would rather choose a club with European ambitions than a new member of the English Premier League, but a compromise has not been reached yet. Neither Ivanović nor the clubs have commented on the interest so far.
Ivanović's situation at Benfica has become more complicated this summer with the arrival of 22-year-old Colombian international Jhon Durán. Last season, he failed to establish himself in the starting lineup because then-coach José Mourinho played with one striker up top, giving preference to Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis.
Mourinho left Benfica this summer to take over Real Madrid, and his replacement is Marco Silva from London's Fulham. It remains to be seen whether the change of coach will bring a new opportunity for the Croatian striker.
Mateo Kovačić has cleared up any doubts about his future. The Croatian midfielder confirmed he is staying at Manchester City.
"I didn't get the impression that I was being questioned. I spoke with people at the club and they told me they count on me, and that was very important for me to hear. As I've said before, it's always up to the players to show their best. If you play well, the coach will put you in the team,"Kovačić said.
Sportske novosti reports that new Newcastle United coach Matthias Jaissle wants Luka Sučić in his squad. The German previously worked with the Croatian international at Salzburg and knows his qualities well. Jaissle recently signed a four-year contract with the wealthy English Premier League club, and from 2015 to 2023 he worked in the Red Bull system, winning two championships with Salzburg (2022 and 2023) and the Cup in 2022.
However, Real Sociedad does not intend to let Sučić go easily. The club from San Sebastián has said they see him as one of the main projects for next season and want to build the game around him.
Zagreb's Dinamo could soon get two reinforcements. According to Index's information, 19-year-old winger Noah Nsoki will become a new Dinamo player. He comes from PSG without a transfer fee, but the Parisian club has agreed on a percentage of a future sale. He played two official matches for PSG's first team, one in the league and one in the Cup.
The other player on the radar is Russian midfielder Kirill Kravtsov (24), who arrives as a free agent. He spent the last four seasons at Sochi and came through Zenit's youth system. He should undergo a medical in the coming days.
Kauno Žalgiris, Dinamo's opponent in the third qualifying round of the Champions League at Maksimir tomorrow, has strengthened with two former Hajduk players. Anthony Kalik (28) signed for the Lithuanian champions after ending his collaboration with the Split club this year, where he made 129 appearances. Also, Croatian striker Gabriel Debeljuh (29) arrived as a free agent from Romania's Oțelul Galați and will be eligible to play on Tuesday.
Tomislav Duka (33), a former Hajduk goalkeeper, made a surprising move and signed for fifth-tier club Orkan from Dugi Rat. Gorica, meanwhile, signed a professional contract with 16-year-old goalkeeper Lovro Lojen, who was Croatia's first-choice keeper at the European Under-17 Championship this summer.
Former Dinamo talent and Slaven Belupo full-back Marko Iharoš (30) continues his career in the 1st ŽNL of Bjelovar-Bilogora County, signing for NK Ivanska. Kustošija, on the other hand, brought in 21-year-old Spanish-Uruguayan midfielder Mauro Zalazar from Schalke, via Andy Bara's agency. Legendary Osijek captain Mile Škorić will soon play in the Croatian sixth league for Sloga from Novi Mikanovci, his home club.
Moris Valinčić, a Dinamo player, briefly commented at today's press conference on the interest from Marseille, Inter, and Napoli, which Italian insider Gianluca Di Marzio wrote about last week.
"Every time I gave my maximum, sometimes it was better, sometimes worse. I always expect the best from myself and much more, if I want to develop. As for the transfer, I have nothing to add; I'm fully focused on tomorrow's match,"Valinčić said.
