Antecedentes inesperados: por eso Bakrar no obtuvo ni un minuto aunque Dinamo lo necesitaba más que nunca

Dinamo Zagreb's decision to bench Monsef Bakrar during their 1:1 draw with Thun in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers has raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Despite being one of the club’s key players, Bakrar did not feature in the match, even though Dinamo was trailing for much of the game. The absence of the Algerian forward, who had been expected to play a crucial role, has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his omission. The situation appears to stem from a contractual clause tied to Bakrar's deal with New York City FC. According to reports, the clause stipulates that if Bakrar were to make his tenth European appearance during his current contract period, Dinamo would have to pay an additional $100,000 to New York City. Bakrar already made nine appearances in the Europa League last season, meaning that playing against Thun would have triggered the clause. Given that his departure from Dinamo seems imminent, rumored to be moving to Egyptian side Al Ahly for around €3 million, the club opted to avoid the extra cost. This financial consideration appears to have taken precedence over tactical decisions. Coach Marija Kovačević did not bring Bakrar into the game despite Dinamo's need for a goal, instead opting for substitutes such as Fran Topić and Lucas Kačavenda. Topić's late contribution led to the equalizer through Mihal Zajc, securing a draw that will likely benefit Dinamo in the return leg at Maksimir. Bakrar arrived at Dinamo last summer from New York City for approximately €1 million. He quickly became a vital part of the team, making 42 appearances last season and scoring 18 goals while adding seven assists. His performances were particularly notable after Mateo Lisica suffered from mononucleosis, which saw Bakrar emerge as the primary option on the right flank. However, with Lisica now back in action, Bakrar's position within the squad has become less secure. Despite his contributions, Bakrar is now reportedly on the verge of leaving Dinamo. The club is expected to finalize his move to Al Ahly soon, and the decision to keep him on the bench against Thun suggests that management is prioritizing cost savings ahead of the transfer. This approach could prevent further financial obligations to New York City, especially since Bakrar might still be available for the return fixture, depending on the club's strategy. Meanwhile, another player has emerged as a potential target for Dinamo and other clubs. Slovenian defender Matija Kuzmić, currently playing for Danish side Viborg, has attracted interest from several top-tier teams. Kuzmić, 22 years old, recently earned his first start for Slovenia under new coach Boštjan Cesar, signaling his growing importance in the national team setup. His versatility, able to play both right-back and center-back positions, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their defensive lines. Viborg, where Kuzmić has spent the past year, is entering a critical phase as the player’s contract is set to expire in a year. The Danish club expects a substantial fee for his services, potentially upwards of €1 million. Earlier discussions between Dinamo and Viborg had stalled due to financial discrepancies, with Viborg initially demanding €2.5 million and Dinamo offering up to €1.3 million. However, recent developments suggest that the market value of Kuzmić has risen significantly. Interest in Kuzmić has expanded beyond Dinamo. French Ligue 1 side Toulouse, owned by American investment fund RedBird, has shown interest, as has Nottingham Forest, a Premier League club controlled by Greek billionaire Evangelos Marinakis. The latter's ownership also includes Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, indicating a broader network of potential suitors. A move to the Premier League would represent a major step forward for Kuzmić, elevating his career to one of football’s most competitive leagues. With multiple clubs showing interest, Kuzmić’s future looks increasingly uncertain. While Dinamo had previously pursued him, the emergence of stronger financial offers from higher-profile clubs complicates the situation. If Nottingham Forest makes a serious bid, Kuzmić could find himself heading to England, marking a significant shift in his professional trajectory. For now, however, the focus remains on whether Dinamo can secure a deal that aligns with both its financial constraints and sporting ambitions.