The Spanish second baseman wants at least five million euros for the Croatian goalkeeper

A Malian forward has signed a new two-year contract with Haugesund, securing his stay at the club until the summer of 2028. The player, who has been linked with a potential move to Hajduk Split in recent weeks, will continue his career with Haugesund, where he has spent the last three and a half seasons. The 26-year-old striker has already made a significant impact, scoring 23 goals in just 16 appearances this season, leading his team in the race for the top spot in the OBOS Liga. The forward's importance to Haugesund extends beyond his goal-scoring ability. As the team’s captain, he plays a crucial role both on and off the field, influencing the squad in ways that go beyond his performance during matches. His leadership qualities have been instrumental in helping the club reach an agreement on the new contract, which ensures his presence through the 2028 season. Sports director Kristoffer Haraldseid expressed satisfaction with the extension, emphasizing the significance of having a dedicated captain. “We had long discussions with Sory and we’re happy to have a captain so committed to the club. This helped us achieve the agreement on the new contract lasting until the summer of 2028,” Haraldseid stated. He added that the extension reflects the ambitions of FK Haugesund and that it was a relief to resolve the situation regarding the player’s future. The forward joined Haugesund before the start of the 2023 season, moving from Romania’s Petrolul Ploiesti. His football journey began in the academy of Etoiles du Mandé in his native Mali, and prior to joining European clubs, he played for Cercle Olympique Bamako. Since arriving in Haugesund, he has scored a total of 44 goals in 93 appearances, solidifying his status as the club’s key figure and top scorer. In a separate development, a Croatian goalkeeper has raised the stakes in his potential transfer from Spanish second division side Las Palmas. Dinko Horkaš, 27, has informed the club that he wants to leave after the club did not accept a proposal from the United Arab Emirates, which he believed could change his life. However, he will remain with Las Palmas unless a buyer offers at least five million euros, according to club president Miguel Angel Ramirez. Ramirez revealed that Horkaš has informed the board that it is very difficult for him to continue playing for Las Palmas. “He has a contract with Las Palmas and will remain our player if the offer does not satisfy the club. We are asking for a one-time payment of five million euros and 50 percent of any future transfer, while they are offering four million euros spread over four years,” Ramirez said, without naming the interested club. Las Palmas will not budge in negotiations, Ramirez noted, adding a humorous remark about Horkaš possibly assisting with tasks such as marking the pitch or setting up the nets if he refuses to play. Horkaš arrived in Las Palmas in the summer of 2024 without compensation from Bulgarian Lokomotiv Plovdiv and is under contract until June 2028. Last season, he appeared in 43 games, conceding 41 goals, and was among the best goalkeepers in the second division. Several clubs have shown interest in Horkaš, including Scottish giants Celtic, according to Spanish media reports. However, the transfer market in Spain is currently closed for 25 days, limiting immediate opportunities for movement. Las Palmas finished the season fifth and advanced to the playoff round for promotion to La Liga, where they lost 2-1 to Malaga, the new first division champions. Ramirez dismissed speculation about an immediate return to the top flight, stating that the primary objective is to secure a place in the second division, followed by qualifying for the playoffs, and finally competing for promotion. Horkaš, born in Sisak, was once part of Zagreb’s Dinamo youth system, spending loan spells at Zrinjski, Varaždin, and Posušje. Four years ago, he left Dinamo after realizing he would struggle for playing time behind national team goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, moving to Lokomotiv Plovdiv, where his career took off.