GNK Dinamo Zagreb has confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski this week, while striker Smail Prevljak scored his first goal for the club. The team currently sits third in the HNL with 10 points from four games, just two points behind leaders NK Osijek.
What is the fee for Kotarski?
According to reports from the Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Dinamo will pay around 400,000 euros to loan Dominik Kotarski from Copenhagen. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent for four million euros, which could bring the total cost to 4.4 million euros. Kotarski joined Copenhagen last summer from PAOK for five million euros and signed a contract until the summer of 2030.
The Danish champions recently signed a new goalkeeper, Diant Ramaj from Borussia Dortmund, opening the door for Kotarski's departure. Copenhagen's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed the Croatian international wants to return to Croatia. Kotarski recently suffered an injury in a match against Randers, but it is not serious and will not jeopardize the transfer.
Why is Kotarski returning to Dinamo?
Dominik Kotarski is returning to the club where he grew up after eight years away. He left Maksimir in 2018 for Ajax, and later played for Gorica and PAOK. With the Greek club, he won a league title, which earned him a move to Copenhagen last summer.
Dinamo spent much of the summer transfer window trying to bring back Dominik Livaković, but the Croatian goalkeeper ultimately joined Barcelona. This led the club to turn to Kotarski, whom they see as a long-term solution for the number one goalkeeper position. Kotarski is expected to undergo his medical this weekend.
How did the draw with Istra 1961 unfold?
Dinamo drew 2-2 with Istra 1961 in Pula, extending their unbeaten run in the HNL to 27 matches. Smail Prevljak scored his first goal for the club in the 84th minute to secure the 2-2 draw. Coach Mario Kovačević praised his players' character after they came from behind twice in the match.
"It's always difficult in Pula, and we didn't have much time to prepare after a tough European defeat in Norway two and a half days earlier," Kovačević told the club's official website. He added that Istra took advantage of their mistakes and defended well. Kirill Kravtsov made his debut for Dinamo, while Niko Galešić was unavailable due to a hamstring injury sustained in the final training session.
What's next for Dinamo?
Dinamo now prepares for a home match against Gorica at Maksimir Stadium on September 5th. The opponent is currently tenth in the table. The club has scored 11 goals this season while conceding only three, giving them a positive goal difference of eight. Maintaining their unbeaten run and solid defense is key to keeping pressure on leaders Osijek. You can follow all upcoming matches on our fixtures page, and the current squad is available on the squad page.
