Zlatko Dalić courted by UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Korea

Zlatko Dalić United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia South Korea coaching offer

Zlatko Dalić left the Croatia national team after the 2026 World Cup and is being approached by three national federations. The United Arab Emirates have put forward the most lucrative offer – a contract worth about €5 million per season – and are considered the leading candidate. Saudi Arabia and South Korea have also expressed interest in hiring the former World Cup silver‑medallist.

Dalić has not yet signed a new contract. Reports say he could take most of his current coaching staff with him, including goalkeeping coach Danijel Subašić, goalkeeping trainer Dražen Ladić, assistant Marjan Mrmić, analyst Marc Rochon and possibly defender Vedran Ćorluka and fitness coach Luka Milanović. Branko Ivanković is expected to become director or coordinator of the Emirati football federation, while Igor Bišćan has been offered a role with the UAE Olympic U‑23/U‑20 team.

The coach is currently on a break on the Dalmatian island of Lastovo, but his future remains undecided as the three offers compete for his signature.

Entities

Branko Ivanković · Danijel Subašić · Dražen Ladić · Igor Bišćan · Korea Football Association · Saudi Arabian Football Federation · South Korean Football Association · United Arab Emirates Football Association · Zlatko Dalić

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] If Dalić joins the UAE, Branko Ivanković could become director or coordinator of the Emirati football federation. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Zlatko Dalić has not yet signed a contract with a new employer. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The United Arab Emirates have offered Zlatko Dalić a contract worth about five million euros per year. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Saudi Arabia and South Korea have also expressed interest in hiring Zlatko Dalić. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Igor Bišćan has been offered a role with the UAE Olympic U‑23 or U‑20 team. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[DISPUTED] Dalić left his position as Croatia coach after the 2026 World Cup. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Dalić may bring his current staff – Danijel Subašić, Dražen Ladić, Marjan Mrmić, Marc Rochon and possibly Vedran Ćorluka and Luka Milanović – to a new role. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Dalić led Croatia to a World Cup silver medal in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022. www.jutarnji.hr · www.072info.com · www.vecernji.ba · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · nova.rs · +2 more