NK Osijek announced on July 7, 2026 that 16‑year‑old striker Jakov Dedić has moved to German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. The transfer was officially recorded with a fee of roughly €850,000 plus bonuses, and Dedić will join the U‑23 squad.

How did the move happen?

February brought turmoil: the previous board was dismissed and shortly after sporting director Alen Petrović was removed. New president Alexandra Vegh appointed Kenneth Zandvliet as sporting director, but the club’s tight finances hampered any aggressive negotiations. Zandvliet admitted it was "hard to keep a talent like Dedić" and that the club must keep investing in its academy despite limited resources.

Why does this matter for NK Osijek?

The team has long struggled to retain its top youngsters. Dedić was one of the biggest prospects of the last decade, and his exit leaves a gap at Opus Arena. Currently NK Osijek sits 9th in the HNL with 35 points, 8 wins, 11 draws and 17 losses from 36 games, and the last five results are a 2‑0 win over Slaven Belupo (May 22) followed by three defeats – form WWLLL. Goal difference stands at –22 (27 scored, 49 conceded), and the club trails league leaders Dinamo Zagreb by 51 points.

What’s next for the club?

Management says the academy will keep producing talent, but without a clear retention strategy the outlook stays uncertain. Season ticket sales have begun, and fans are demanding concrete actions. While the new sporting director fights for stability, the club must find a way to keep at least one prospect for a full senior season in the white‑blue shirt, or risk repeating history.