Dinamo has begun its transfer window with a flurry of departures, revealing several well-known names leaving Maksimir. The club, which has been actively strengthening its squad during the off-season, is now looking to trim down its roster ahead of the new season. Among those set to leave are Fran Topić and Arber Hoxha, both of whom were linked to clubs outside Croatia earlier this summer. Their potential exits come amid ongoing efforts to reduce the number of players under contract, particularly in positions where competition is fierce. The situation is most intense among the wingers, where multiple options have emerged. Hoxha and Topić, who had already expressed interest in moving last summer, are now likely candidates for departure. While Hoxha is expected to remain in the long term behind Oršić, he faces stiff competition from newly signed player Nsoki, who is anticipated to make his debut soon. Meanwhile, other wingers such as Iker Almena and Lisica could also find themselves on the transfer list, depending on how quickly they adapt to the team’s system. In addition to the wingers, Dinamo has made several high-profile signings aimed at bolstering key areas of the squad. Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, defender Luka Ivanušec, and winger Iker Almena have all joined the club, either recently or already in training. These additions are expected to play a crucial role in the first XI under coach Kovačević. However, their arrival means some existing players will need to step back, potentially leading to further transfers in the coming weeks. Currently, the squad numbers exceed 27 players, a figure that has raised concerns within the club. This includes four goalkeepers, Kotarski, Nevistić, Filipović, and Zagorac, and a large group of defenders and midfielders. With the winter transfer window approaching, Dinamo is expected to address these redundancies. The club is particularly focused on reducing the number of players in certain positions, especially among the wingers, where there is significant overlap between current and incoming talent. Financial considerations also play a major role in these decisions. Dinamo still needs to raise approximately 15 million euros to close its annual budget, making the sale of some players a necessity. While the club may not expect to make substantial profits from these deals, the process is essential for balancing the books. Players like Topić could fetch between half a million and one million euros, while Hoxha's value may be lower due to his non-EU citizenship, which complicates international transfers. Club president Zvonimir Boban has made it clear that the European League represents a critical challenge for Dinamo. During recent meetings with journalists, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent performance throughout matches, rather than allowing the team to disappear after ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes. His vision for the upcoming season includes a more structured approach, with greater mental presence and precision on the field. This ambition aligns with the club’s broader goals of progressing further in European competitions. As the transfer window progresses, Dinamo will continue to evaluate its squad, prioritizing players who best fit the tactical and financial needs of the club. The departure of key figures like Topić and Hoxha signals a shift in strategy, with a focus on long-term stability and competitive success. The club’s leadership remains committed to achieving its objectives, even as it navigates the complexities of managing a large squad and meeting financial targets.
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