NK Osijek seeks new assets as departures double

NK Osijek lost eight players at the end of last season whose contracts expired or were on loan, with another nine still in limbo. With the squad now nine men thinner at Opus Arena, sporting director Kenneth Zandvliet must reverse the trend and bring in quality signings. League standing: 7th in HNL, 42 pts, 11W-9D-16L from 36 games, recent form DLDWW.

What are Zandvliet's main challenges?

Zandvliet faces two core issues – quantity and quality. A season that flirted with disaster ended with Osijek's worst HNL finish ever, and the number of exits by transfer deadline will be double‑digit. Players like Jakupović, Jurišić and Mersinaj are entering the final year of their contracts, meaning the club could lose more money without compensation. Meanwhile, the team must fill gaps, especially at right‑back and midfield where injuries have left holes.

Who are the new signings and what do they bring?

Senad Mustafić has arrived to take the right‑back spot. In midfield Zandvliet added Balázs Baktić and Vito Čaić, while wing attack is bolstered by Ivan Dolček. The biggest buzz surrounds Mexican striker Armando Leon, a 26‑year‑old who is on trial after a standout performance for Santa Coloma, scoring in a 4:1 win over Borac in the Conference League qualifiers. Leon is not the only face up front; Zandvliet has said he wants to double every position in the squad.

What does this mean for Osijek's future?

If Zandvliet can execute his plan, Osijek could stabilise its performance and avoid further financial loss. The recent NK Osijek 2-0 NK Slaven Belupo (2026-05-22) result shows the team can still win, but long‑term depth is needed. With a goal of staying within 23 points of leaders HNK Rijeka, each new acquisition must help both attack and defence. The club will need to balance short‑term results with the development of young talents, especially those already in their U‑21 national sides.

How can fans follow the changes?

Osijek supporters should follow the club's official channels for the latest news on signings and preparations. As departures and arrivals shift daily, staying updated on each transfer's impact is crucial. The club has announced that several more players will be signed in the next two months, potentially altering the inbound‑outbound ratio and restoring balance in the locker room.