Dinamo Zagreb has secured a new goalkeeper ahead of the current season, with Dominik Kotarski set to join the club on loan from FC Copenhagen. The Croatian international, who previously trained at Dinamo's academy, is expected to arrive before the end of the season after the club decided against pursuing the return of Dominik Livaković. Kotarski, 26, will bring experience from clubs such as Ajax, Gorica, and PAOK, where he played as first-choice goalkeeper and won the Greek league title in 2024. Kotarski joined FC Copenhagen last summer after being signed from PAOK for €5 million. His time in Denmark has been marked by mixed results, including a recent goal conceded during a Europa Conference League match against Debrecen. In that game, a free kick taken by Balázs Dzsudzsák from near the corner flag found the back of the net, catching Kotarski off guard. The incident has drawn criticism from fans and media alike, highlighting concerns over his performance in Copenhagen. Despite these challenges, Kotarski remains under contract with FC Copenhagen until 2030. However, the possibility of him moving to Dinamo appears more feasible due to the club’s interest in securing his services on a temporary basis. This decision comes after negotiations with Copenhagen regarding a potential loan deal with an option to buy, which would involve a fee of around €5 million. The move represents a strategic shift for Dinamo, who had initially aimed to bring back Livaković, currently playing for Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Talks with the Turkish club regarding a buyout clause have stalled due to financial constraints, prompting the club to look elsewhere for a reliable goalkeeper. Kotarski, having made his debut for Croatia in March 2024, has since become a regular member of the national team and participated in the World Cup earlier this year. Kotarski’s journey through football began in Dinamo’s youth system, where he was part of the academy from 2011 to 2018. After leaving the club, he moved to Ajax’s reserve team, Jong Ajax, making 60 appearances before transitioning into senior football with Gorica. His performances there earned him a move to PAOK, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper and helped secure the Greek league title in 2024. Following that success, he signed with FC Copenhagen, marking a new chapter in his career. In addition to Kotarski’s potential arrival, another development has emerged involving Diant Ramaj, a 24-year-old goalkeeper currently under contract with Borussia Dortmund. Reports suggest that Ramaj might be heading to Copenhagen on a loan deal, potentially paving the way for Kotarski to leave the Danish club. This situation could create further opportunities for Dinamo to secure Kotarski’s services, given the uncertainty surrounding his future in Copenhagen. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Kotarski can make a successful return to Dinamo, bringing with him the experience gained from his time abroad. His performance in the upcoming matches will determine how well he adapts to life back in Zagreb, where he once honed his skills as a young player. With the club looking to strengthen its defensive options, Kotarski’s presence could provide much-needed stability to Dinamo’s goalkeeping department.
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