HNL1's best striker of last season Davor Vugrinec has returned to first club NK Varazdin on a free transfer. The 35 year old will end his association with NK Zagreb for whom he scored 29 goals in 55 games. In truth Vugrinec has made light work of the Croatian league during spells at Rijeka, Dinamo and Zagreb. Despite Zagreb's eagerness for Vugrinec to stay, and interest from Rijeka the former Lecce striker decided to give a boost the town of Varazdin. Vugrinec's decision is far from financially motivated as the Varazdin are finally stricken and could not afford to pay their staff last season. Furthermore club legends Zoran Ivancic, Milenko Mumlek and Andrija Balajic are unlikely to play again for Varazdin after being caught up in the match fixing scandal. Players such Roberto Puncec, Mario Sacer, Feha Dudic and Sasa Hojski have however given the team new hope during pre season and Vugrinec appears to have decided to return to give the club a lift.
Ex Varteks players Zoran Lesjak and Nikola Melnjak have found new clubs. Lesjak signs for Drava, whilst Melnjak signed with Slovakian side Trnvana. Melnjak will team up with playmaker Josip Coric who has signed from Slovan Liberec. Varteks released Ivan Jolic and former player Milan Pavlicic is also on the market after being given a free by Osijek.
