Hajduk Bolsters Defense: Hadžikadunić Arrives
Following the arrival of the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, the Whites have reportedly sent an offer for Feyenoord center-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo, according to Dutch media.
Following the arrival of the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, the Whites have reportedly sent an offer for Feyenoord center-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo, according to Dutch media.
Hajduk confirmed on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the arrival of center-back Denis Hadžikadunić after the Bosnia and Herzegovina international successfully passed his medical examinations. The club from Poljud once again showcased its marketing ingenuity, offering the new player a burek with cheese, or sirnica, as Hadžikadunić would likely call it, well aware that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, burek with cheese does not exist.
Hadžikadunić is expected to bring much-needed solidity and stability to the Whites' back line. Robert Graf, a commentator on player characteristics, describes him as a player whose strength is the forte of his game. He emphasizes that the Bosnian international is excellent at guarding space while behind the attackers and possesses a great ability to react quickly thanks to his good reading of the game. At 191 centimeters tall, he is extremely dominant in aerial duels, which will be of great use in defending set pieces.
Hadžikadunić is expected to eventually take over Alec Van Hoorenbeeck's position and form a center-back partnership with Dario Marešić, who remains the defensive leader and the Whites' best center-back in terms of ball progression. Coach Gonzalo Garcia hopes that Hadžikadunić will be compatible with Marešić and manage to cover the gaps that arise when the defensive leader pushes high with the ball.
With Hadžikadunić's arrival, a new order is established in which he and Marešić will form the starting duo, while Van Hoorenbeeck and Raci will compete for the third center-back spot. Roko Gabrić should be the fourth option, and the arrival of the Bosnian international could push Skelin towards a loan move. Hadžikadunić will have a leadership role in defensive moments, while Marešić will continue to orchestrate the build-up play.
It is difficult to predict whether the new center-back will feature against Raków, but he could certainly see more significant minutes as early as Sunday against Osijek, the SHNL leaders.
Hadžikadunić's arrival is not expected to mark the end of the Whites' incoming business. For some time now, the arrival of a midfielder and a winger has been anticipated, and Dutch media have reported that an offer has been sent from Poljud for Neraysho Kasanwirjo, a 24-year-old Feyenoord player.
Kasanwirjo can cover all defensive positions, but is primarily a center-back. Due to his physical attributes, he can equally well play as a defensive midfielder, or a "six." In the Netherlands, he is considered a good player, but not good enough for a significant role in Feyenoord's squad. His market value is 1.5 million euros, and his contract with the Dutch club runs until 2027.
The contract could be the key obstacle to a potential transfer. The Dutch would prefer a permanent transfer rather than a loan, which would likely suit Hajduk more. It is still unclear whether this deal will materialize and whether Hajduk has a genuine interest, but it is interesting that none of the involved parties have yet issued an official denial.
