Friday 11 March 2011

AMKAR BAG DJALOVIC

HNK Rijeka have transferred star striker Radomir Djalovic after the Montenegrin international completed his medical with Russian club Amkar Perm. Amkar, who also have ex Osijek man Josip Knezevic long desired to sign the ex Zagreb and Arminia Bielfeld forward and have now tied up his signature.

Cash strapped Rijeka are now to rely on the inexperienced Vedran Gerc, Valentin Stepcic, Sandi Krizman and Sergio Zijler to take his place. Rijeka particular will need Dutchman Zijler to step up his game. Gerc, meanwhile is playing for a new contract after making just four appearences this season. Should neither man succede in filling Djalovic's boots the club could be set for a difficult end to the season.

Dinamo Zagreb are expected to make Ilija Sivonjic available at the end of the season. Bosko Balaban (Pananios), Krunoslav Lovrek (Jeonbuk Motors) and Tomo Sokota (Olymija Ljubljana) at present look set to stay on at their current clubs for another year, Whilst Antun Dunkovic is fighting for a new deal at Mechelen.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

KLASNIC AND TADIC RETURN TO FORE

Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic has put himself back within a chance of returning to the Croatian national team after firing winners to defeat Fulham, Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup and against Aston Villa in the league. Such form will impress coach Slaven Bilic who is looking for a striker of such calibre after Mario Mandzukic and Srdjan Lakic struggled to find their form in the new year.

Mandzukic has still to score for Wolfsburg, whilst Lakic could lose out to the more experienced and proven hitman Klasnic. It was thought the 31 year old may be on the slide after Owen Coyle signed Daniel Sturridge to push Klasnic further down the pecking order behind Kevin Davies and Johann Ellmander. However Klasnic has thought back with the expert finishing and is likely to see more games as the season enters the vital months.

Another player who has enjoyed a reversal of fortunes is Josip Tadic, who scored his third goal for Arminia Bielfeld at the weekend after arriving from Grenoble. Bundesliga 2 seems more suited to the former Dinamo Zagreb and Osijek striker, who will aim to follow Ivo Ilicevic and Srdjan Lakic's example of attempting to return to high level football.

Elsewhere Rijeka could be in dissaray with star striker Radomir Dalovic on the verge of a move to the Russian league with Amkar Perm. The Montenegro international's departure leaves Rijeka relying on the unproven Vedran Gerc, Sandi Krizman, Valentin Stepcic and Sergio Zijler. Rijeka's would only be able replace Dalovic with a quick fire free agent signing with Ivan Bosnjak a possible option.

Thursday 3 March 2011

BOSNJAK TAKES LIFAN OPTION

Striker Ivan Bosnjak has finally settled his future after a year out of the game.

The 32 year old has signed with Chinese second division side Chongquin Lifan, along with fellow Croats Dario Dabac and Stjepan Jukic. Bruno Siklic however has left the club to sign for Hubei Zongboo.

Whilst Bosnjak has decided his club, defensive midfielder Gordan Golik is six months without a employer after leaving Lech Poznan. Former club Varazdin may be interested in taking the player, but would need to make a sale first. Renato Puncec is currently there prize asset whilst Filip Skvorc has also been impressing.

Meantime NK Lokomotiva have signed former Dinamo Zagreb striker Dario Zahora. Lokomotiva have allowed striker Ilija Sivonjic and Marko Simic to both leave in recent weeks leaving Nino Bule, Dodo, Ivan Peko and Dalibor Pandza as their only forward options. If Loko could get the experienced Zahora in tandum with Bule, they are likely to loan out Pandza.

Tuesday 1 March 2011

RODIC SIGNS UP TO ISTRA

Istra 1961 have completed the signing of striker Ivan Rodic for the remainder of the season. Istra have had a big turnaround in their forward line with Bosko Stupcic and Edin Hadzic both heading out the exit door and Rodic, Eliomar, Franjo Tepuric and Mario Juric all arriving. Asim Sehic is still at the club and will look to form a partnership with Rodic. Rodic, already has 4 goals to his name from starting the season with Rijeka. His more than suspect release from the club has been to Istra's benefit.

Meantime there is little news on a new club for Ivan Bosnjak or Gordan Golik, however Marko Maric has signed with MLS Outfit Chicago Fire. The Fire were also interested in former Croatian international Marko Babic, but the 29 year old has decided to return home to sign with NK Osijek. Babic's arrival is one of the biggest signings of the season in the Croatian league. Elsewhere former Dinamo Zagreb forward Guillermo Suarez has signed with Chilean outfit DC O'Higgins and has already made an impressive start scoring 2 goals in his first 3 games. Meanwhile former Dinamo and Zapresic teammate Miroslav Saric is serving a prison sentance after attack a man outside a bar.