GNK Dinamo Zagreb have made several significant moves ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline. Spanish winger Iker Almena and Croatian international Luka Ivanušec have officially become new players for the club, according to reports from Index.hr Sport and Net.hr Sportski.
The club currently sits third in the HNL with 10 points from four games, just two points behind leaders NK Osijek. Dinamo have scored 11 goals while conceding only three, and their next challenge is a home match against HNK Gorica on September 5th, which you can follow on our fixtures page.
Who is Dinamo's new Spanish forward?
Iker Almena arrives at Dinamo on a one-year loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah, as reported by Index.hr Sport. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Hajduk Split, where he played 21 matches, scoring three goals and providing three assists. To facilitate the move to Zagreb, he agreed to a significant salary reduction, earning around 400,000 euros per year, similar to his terms in Split.
Net.hr Sportski reported that Almena deleted all Hajduk-related photos from his Instagram profile ahead of the transfer. This move provoked strong reactions from Split fans, who greeted the player with numerous insults on social media. Dinamo plan to register Almena for their Europa League campaign.
Why is Luka Ivanušec returning to Maksimir?
Luka Ivanušec is returning to Dinamo after three years as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Feyenoord, according to information from Index.hr Sport. The 27-year-old midfielder signed a three-year deal with an option for an additional season. At his official presentation, he stated he feels like a more mature and experienced player after his time abroad.
"I am very happy to be here again, glad that we managed to finish everything," Ivanušec said for the club's website. "I can't wait to start training and playing matches with the team." His return brings experience and flexibility to the attacking midfield, which will be useful in the title race and European matches.
What role will Dominik Kotarski play?
Dominik Kotarski has arrived at Dinamo on loan from Copenhagen to take on the role of first-choice goalkeeper, as announced by Index.hr Sport. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, a product of Dinamo's youth academy, became the primary option after the return of Dominik Livaković could not be realized. Kotarski is known for his secure footwork and ability to participate in building attacks, which suits Dinamo's style of play.
He was recently the starting goalkeeper for Greek side PAOK, with whom he won the league title and was named the league's best goalkeeper in the 2023/24 season. His experience in European competitions, including a match against Dinamo in the Conference League, will be a great asset to the club. The current squad composition can be seen on our squad page.
What is Dinamo's current league position?
Dinamo are third in the HNL table after four rounds with a record of three wins and one draw. With 11 goals scored and only three conceded, they have the best goal difference in the league at +8. They trail leaders Osijek by two points, leaving everything open in the early stage of the competition.
The recent run of results shows stability, with no defeats in the last four matches across all competitions. The next home game against Gorica on September 5th presents an opportunity to continue the good run and close in on the top of the table, which you can follow on the standings page.
