GNK Dinamo Zagreb is working on a deal to bring back Luka Ivanušec, according to a report by Gol.hr on Wednesday. The midfielder, who left Maksimir in 2023, could return after two seasons abroad with Feyenoord and PAOK.
Ivanušec's name is once again at the centre of transfer speculation, with a source close to the club confirming talks. Dinamo currently sits third in the HNL table with 10 points from four games, just two points behind leaders NK Osijek. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded only three, giving them a healthy +8 goal difference. Their next challenge is a home fixture against HNK Gorica on September 5th, details of which can be found on our fixtures page.
Why does Dinamo want Ivanušec back?
Luka Ivanušec was born in 1998 in Varaždin. He began his career at Lokomotiva before Dinamo signed him in 2019 for around three million euros. During four seasons in blue, he made 175 official appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 20 assists. He was a key part of the squad that won four consecutive Croatian league titles, one Croatian Cup, and two Super Cups. In the 2022/23 season, he was particularly productive with 12 goals and four assists in the league, and he also scored a hat-trick against Astana in Champions League qualifying.
His move to Feyenoord in the summer of 2023 cost almost eight million euros. In Rotterdam, he played 55 games, scored four goals and made seven assists, winning the Dutch Cup and Super Cup. Last season he was on loan at Greek side PAOK. While he has 22 caps and two goals for Croatia, he has not played for the national team in two years. His last appearance for the Vatreni was at Euro 2024 against Italy in Leipzig.
How would he fit into the current squad?
Dinamo's current squad, which you can view on our squad page, is in solid form with a run of three wins and a draw in their last four matches. The return of an experienced midfielder like Ivanušec would add competition in the centre of the park and extra creativity. At 27 years old, he is in his prime and knows the club's culture, which could mean a quicker adaptation. His ability to score from midfield would be an asset for the rest of the season, especially in the title race where Dinamo trails Osijek.
What is his status with the national team?
Ivanušec's absence from the Croatian national team for the past two years raises questions about his international future. He was part of the wider squad for Euro 2024 but has not featured since the tournament. A return to the HNL and regular minutes at Dinamo could be key to catching the eye of the national team coach again. For now, his focus will be on reintegrating at club level and contributing to the points chase, which you can follow via the standings page.
Dinamo now has a clear target for the season ahead. Bringing back a familiar face like Luka Ivanušec could provide a needed boost for a team already well-placed in the league. The club will continue to work on strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes, with the clear aim of closing the gap at the top of the table.
