# Hajduk Split qualifies for Conference League; Sigur and Pukš > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/celtic-fc-interest-in-niko-sigur > Updated: 2026-08-26T08:06:24.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 5. Hajduk Split has secured qualification for the UEFA Conference League league stage following a 3-2 extra-time victory over Raków Częstochowa in Poland. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, the decisive match saw Ron Raci open the scoring in the first minute, though the goal was initially disallowed before being confirmed by VAR. Following an equalizer from Raków’s Mohamed Fadiga-Diaby and a response from Michele Šego, Mahir Emreli leveled the score in the 88th minute to force extra time. Rokas Pukštas ultimately secured the 5-4 aggregate win with a goal in the 94th minute. This victory marks Hajduk’s first appearance in a major European group stage in 16 years. Manager Gonzalo Garcia expressed deep emotion and pride regarding the team’s resilience. The achievement provides a significant financial boost, with estimated UEFA prize money now reaching at least €4.379 million. Amidst this success, player movements have emerged. While transfer interest in midfielder Niko Sigur has intensified—with reports linking him to Genk and Toulouse following interest from Celtic FC—Rokas Pukštas has reportedly finalized a transfer to Middlesbrough after activating a €5 million exit clause. Hajduk’s sporting director, Robert Graf, previously noted that the club’s transfer budget is “near zero,” making player sales necessary to fund squad reinvestment and restructure the salary system. The club is now awaiting the league stage draw ahead of the October 15, 2026, start date. ## Claims - Hajduk defeated Polish club Raków in the Conference League play-offs. (corroborated by 3 sources) - This marks Hajduk's first appearance in a European competition league phase since the 2010/11 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Hajduk won the match against Raków with a score of 3-2. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Hajduk has secured at least 4.379 million euros in UEFA prize money by qualifying for the league phase. (single source) - Ron Raçi scored the opening goal of the match. (single source) - Dinamo Zagreb secured a place in the Europa League group stage. (single source) - Croatia will have two representatives in the league phases of European competitions this year. (single source) - Simulations suggest Hajduk could earn an average of approximately 8.4 million euros during their Conference League campaign. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Hajduk Split qualifies for Conference League after 16 years Hajduk Split qualified for the UEFA Conference League group stage for the first time in 16 years after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Raków Częstochowa. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hajduk-split-receives-4m-offer-from-genk-for-niko-sigur ### 2026-08-24: Valencia enters race for Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur Valencia CF has joined the pursuit of Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur. Hajduk has reportedly rejected a €3.5 million offer from Celtic, seeking a fee between €4 million and €5 million for the versatile player. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/valencia-enters-race-for-hajduk-splits-niko-sigur ### 2026-08-23: Toulouse submits €2 million offer for Hajduk Split's Nika Sigur Toulouse has offered €2 million for Hajduk Split player Nika Sigur, but the club will delay decisions until after their Conference League play-off against Raków. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toulouse-submits-2-million-offer-for-hajduk-splits-nika-sigur ### 2026-08-19: Niko Sigur linked to Celtic transfer amid Hajduk Split financial needs Celtic FC is expected to bid for Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur for approximately £3 million as the Croatian club seeks to improve its financial position through player sales. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niko-sigur-linked-to-celtic-transfer-amid-hajduk-split-financial-needs ### 2026-08-12: Celtic FC targets Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur Celtic FC is reportedly interested in signing Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, with a potential transfer value estimated between 4 and 5 million euros. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celtic-fc-targets-hajduk-split-midfielder-niko-sigur --- Cite as: Hajduk Split qualifies for Conference League; Sigur and Pukš. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/celtic-fc-interest-in-niko-sigur