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2026-07-30 08:19 UTC → 2026-08-02 05:22 UTC ·
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On 25 July 2026 After a last‑minute reversal of a planned move to Widzew Łódź, Basel loaned 21‑year‑old Croatian U‑21 winger Marin Šotiček to HNK Rijeka Hajduk Split on 28 July 2026, with an option to buy, after a last‑minute reversal of a previously announced move to Widzew Łódź. Three days later, on 28 July, HNK Hajduk Split announced they had secured the same purchase. The season‑long loan from Basel, also with was confirmed as a purchase option, citing Šotiček’s speed, one‑on‑one ability and fit with coach Gonzalo García’s tactics. The loan, reportedly worth €3 million, superseded the Rijeka link. Further details released later on 28 July confirmed the signing and added background: million deal. Šotiček, born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, progressed came through youth clubs Zrinski and Zrinski, Vinogradar before joining and NK Lokomotiva’s academy, later Lokomotiva before making 46 senior appearances for Lokomotiva and 69 for Basel. Basel, scoring seven goals and providing four assists for the Swiss side. He has 20 caps and three goals for Croatia’s U‑21 side. team. Sports director Robert Graf highlighted that Šotiček will strengthen Hajduk’s wing positions his speed, one‑on‑one ability and complement their pressing style. fit for Hajduk’s wing play. Hajduk’s immediate focus shifted to task was the Europa League qualifying second leg second‑leg qualifier against Cypriot side Pafos FC in Limassol, where they hold held a 2‑0 first‑leg lead. lead secured by Michele Šego and Dario Melnjak. The squad would be without forward Roko Brajković after a season‑ending knee injury. Coach Gonzalo García expects expected the squad team to protect the advantage and advance, despite advantage. By 31 July, the loss of forward Roko Brajković parallel transfer to HNK Rijeka collapsed. Rijeka’s president Damir Mišković declined a season‑ending knee injury. bidding war, citing the club’s strict financial policy, and announced a search for another fast winger. Hajduk’s coach Silvio Čabraja called the signing a “perfect fit” for the team’s attacking needs.