[REVISION HISTORY]

Vanja Drkušić transfer to Espanyol

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-19 13:38 UTC → 2026-08-19 21:27 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The transfer negotiations for Slovenian central defender Vanja Drkušić initially centered on a potential loan move to the Greek club PAOK. Although the 26-year-old defender from Zenit Saint Petersburg was expected to undergo medical examinations in Thessaloniki, the deal collapsed after the player expressed a personal preference for La Liga club Espanyol. Following the cancellation of the agreement with PAOK, RCD Espanyol officially announced the signing of the Slovenian international on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg. The agreement keeps the defender in Barcelona until the end of the 2026/27 season and includes an option for Espanyol to purchase his rights permanently at the conclusion of the loan period. During his official presentation, Drkušić confirmed that while PAOK showed intense interest, a phone call from Espanyol’s sporting director, Monchi, was the decisive factor in his decision. The defender highlighted the importance of the permanent transfer clause, stating, “I would not have come here if there were no purchase option.” He also noted the technical quality of Spanish football in comparison to the more physical style of the Russian league. This move marks Drkušić’s first appearance in La Liga. His arrival serves as the fifth summer reinforcement for Espanyol, joining other signings such as Unai Núñez and Quilindschy Hartman to bolster the defensive line. ~~The~~ There is speculation that Drkušić could make an immediate debut this weekend against Real Madrid, as veteran defender ~~brings international experience to the squad, having recently competed in Euro 2024 with Slovenia.~~ Leandra Cabrera is currently serving a three-match suspension.

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