GNK Dinamo Zagreb is working on a transfer for young Osijek defender Ivan Kolarik. Club president Zvonimir Boban directly confirmed the interest in the 19-year-old player in a statement to Index.hr Sport.
The club currently sits third in the HNL with 10 points from four games, just two points behind leaders NK Osijek. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded only three, demonstrating a strong defensive foundation that Kolarik could help build. The next challenge is a home match against HNK Gorica on September 5th.
Who is Ivan Kolarik?
Ivan Kolarik was born on June 20, 2007, and is a professional footballer for NK Osijek. He plays as a defender and has made 14 total senior appearances for Osijek. This season, he has featured in all five domestic league matches, accumulating 450 minutes of playing time. Kolarik is also a Croatian U-19 international and has a professional contract with Osijek valid until June 2029. Boban described him as a "potentially brilliant young player" who "has both character and talent."
What would the transfer involve?
According to Boban, Dinamo is considering the option of, should the transfer happen, leaving Kolarik on loan at Osijek to continue playing regularly. Such a move is common for young talents needing experience. "The question is whether we will leave him in Osijek to play," Boban said. The entire process is closely linked to another transfer at Maksimir. The status of Spanish goalkeeper Sergija Dominguez, who could leave the club before the transfer window closes, is key to completing this deal. Everything should become clear in the next two or three days.
What is the context at Dinamo?
Dinamo's season so far is solid, with an unbeaten run of three wins and one draw. The team has a positive goal difference of +8, providing a good foundation for progress. Detailed team statistics can be found on our stats page. Boban noted that every club has the right to protect its interests, stating, "Osijek has the right to protect its interests, just as Dinamo has the right to make its own decisions." This potential acquisition is part of a broader plan to strengthen the squad, and the updated roster is always available on the squad page.
What happens next?
The transfer window is closing quickly, and Dinamo has a clearly defined schedule. After the match against Gorica, the team will face a series of important fixtures. The full calendar can be followed on our fixtures page. The final decision on Kolarik will depend on several factors, including the outcome of negotiations concerning Dominguez. Ivan Kolarik has a contract with Osijek that runs for nearly three more years.
