GNK Dinamo Zagreb has announced its squad list for the upcoming UEFA Europa League league phase. The manager has made several unexpected decisions, with the list reported by 24sata Sport this week.
The Croatian First League club currently sits third in the HNL with 10 points from four matches. They have three wins and one draw, with recent form reading DWWW. Dinamo has scored 11 goals, conceded three, and holds a goal difference of plus eight. They trail leaders NK Osijek by just two points.
Who are the biggest surprise omissions?
The most notable absence from the list is goalkeeper Ivica Nevistić. Also missing is young forward Fran Topić. The 22-year-old Topić recently had a transfer opportunity to Italian side Sampdoria but remained at the club. However, he was not included in the European squad. Robert Mudražija and Paul Tabinas are named on the list but without a specified position.
On the other hand, some familiar faces return. Luka Ivanušec is back at Maksimir after three years at Feyenoord and a loan at PAOK. Dani Rodríguez has also returned following a period of injury and a loan spell. Both players will be important for the European campaign.
Who is new in the goalkeeping department?
Dinamo has strengthened the goalkeeper position with two new faces. Iker Almena has joined on loan from Al-Qadsia with a purchase option. Dominik Kotarski has returned to the club after playing for Ajax and PAOK. Kotarski is a homegrown player who came through Dinamo's academy.
Danijel Zagorac is also included in the list as a third goalkeeper. This competition for the starting spot shows the club wants to be prepared for a demanding European season. You can follow the current squad status on our squad page.
What does the European schedule look like?
Dinamo will play eight matches in the Europa League league phase. The opener is on September 16 away to Hapoel Beer-Sheva. At Maksimir, they will host Bayer Leverkusen, Anderlecht, Sturm, and NEC Nijmegen. Away matches will be against AZ Alkmaar, Rennes, Sunderland, and the aforementioned Hapoel Beer-Sheva.
The final league phase match will be on January 28, 2027, against Sturm in Zagreb. The full schedule of European battles can be found on our fixtures page.
What is the current domestic context?
Before fully focusing on Europe, Dinamo has an important domestic task. Their next HNL fixture is at home against HNK Gorica on September 5. Gorica currently occupies 10th place in the table. This match is an opportunity for Dinamo to continue its good run before the European challenges.
The club is in good form, and their league position can be tracked on the standings page. Dinamo wants to maintain this momentum to best prepare for the clash with Hapoel Beer-Sheva in a week's time. That will be the first step in a long European adventure featuring eight matches in the league phase.
