Valinčić Breaks Silence on Transfer
Dinamo's right-back Moris Valinčić refused to comment on interest from Marseille, Inter, and Napoli, redirecting all focus to the Champions League match against Kauno Žalgiris.
Dinamo's right-back Moris Valinčić refused to comment on interest from Marseille, Inter, and Napoli, redirecting all focus to the Champions League match against Kauno Žalgiris.
Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris, scheduled for Tuesday at 8 PM at Maksimir, Dinamo's right-back Moris Valinčić broke his silence on the growing speculation about his departure from the club. At a press conference held on August 3, the young defender stated that he is currently not interested in offers from major European clubs.
Valinčić has been in the spotlight after scoring a stunning goal to secure Dinamo's victory in extra time in the return leg against Swiss side Thun, which saw the Croatian champions advance to the third qualifying round. Italian insider Gianluca Di Marzio reported last week of strong interest in Valinčić, highlighting that he has attracted attention from Marseille and has been tracked for some time by Inter and Napoli. However, when asked about a potential transfer, the player remained reserved and diplomatically brief.
"I've always given my all, sometimes 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 completely focused on tomorrow's match," Valinčić said at the press conference, as reported by Index.hr.
His priority is clear: advancing to the next stage of the competition. The draw pitted Dinamo against the Norwegian champions as a potential opponent in the Champions League playoff, but Valinčić warns that looking ahead is pointless. "Before the playoff, we have three matches. We must win first at Maksimir, then in Lithuania, and then win in the league. That's still far off; we shouldn't rush. We need to analyze the opponent thoroughly and prepare mentally, but the most important thing is to win the upcoming match," he concluded.
Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević confirmed that all players are ready for the clash. "Everything is fine with the players. Zajc had minor issues, but he trained, and I believe everyone will be available," he stated. He is aware of the favorite's role but also of the danger posed by an opponent led by former Dinamo coach Željko Sopić.
"I haven't shied away from that, but we need to prove it on the pitch. Žalgiris isn't here by chance; they have good players, they're a serious team, and they have our coach who knows us well. A lot depends on us; I believe we'll be better tomorrow, and if we're not, we could easily have problems," Kovačević warned. He also emphasized that he has pleasant selection headaches because he can count on all players and has quality competition in every position.
Additional wind at Dinamo's back could come from the return of Luka Stojković, who has served his suspension and already provided an assist for Dion Drena Beljo's goal in the league match against Slaven Belupo. "You could see how much we missed him and how much he means to us. I'm sure he will continue to improve," the coach commented.
Before the important European match, Dinamo also announced great news off the pitch. On August 3, 2026, the club surpassed last year's record of 65,243 members and friends of the club, achieving this 150 days earlier than in the previous season. The return leg in Lithuania is scheduled a week later at 7 PM.
