Nikola Kalinić has gone on record in saying that he WILL NOT return to Hajduk Split this upcoming season. Valencia has been rumored to be on Kalinić’s tail for a €7 million transfer in this Goal.com article.
This would be a life changing transfer for Kalinić; especially if he gets to play up top with David Villa; should he stay.
Thank you Ciganski Bosanac for breaking this news!
Sky Sports is reporting that Mario Mandžukić has been linked with possible transfers to English sides Tottenham and Portsmouth after his Werder Bremen deal was shot down.
Could Tottenham really become ‘Dinamo Zagreb West’ with three former players?
Goal.com is reporting that NK Rijeka’s Anas Sharbini is on Liverpool and Aston Villa radars.
How well can the alleged ‘next Zvonimir Boban’ compete should he make the move to the Premiership?
There is still no news on Josip Šimunić. Last we heard was that there was a falling out between him and his coach at Hertha Berlin. Will he make a move to another Bundesliga club or travel to Spain or England?
I have a weird suspicion that Šimunić will remain at Hertha.
As for fine young man comment i think that refers to him being level headed and accepting that Dinamo don't want to sell him and also relates to the fact he has a long term contract which if he wanted he could have refused to sign such a long contract. Shows commitment to club at least. As for his on field antics. I must admit when i used to play i used to take the occasional flop even in training and tell some of my teammates i didn't get on with to F off, but off field at not like this as rule – so can't judge things always during the heat of the game. Also don't forget Eduardo smashed up Buljats leg and yet Eduardo is regarded as a nice guy. On field and off field is two different things.
We had offer of over 5 million for Mandzukic from Werder Bremen. It was rejected. Mandza has scored against Ajax and England. Impressed against Ukraine, Sparta and Bremen. In my book that amounts to showing promise. Nothing more, nothing less. Mandza can only work with what's in front of him. He will play more Euro matches this season so he has more opportunities. He's staying cos we want to keep him not cos nobodies wants him.
Borrowed from HNL Latest: Joe Simunic joins Hoffenheim
Official: 1899 Hoffenheim signs Josip Šimunić
Published: June 30 2009 – 5:32 PM
Author: Oliver KomadinaNo Comment
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Breaking news: what has been rumored for a week (read more in our transfer rumor mill here) has now been officially confirmed by 1899 Hoffenheim: Croatian international defender Josip Šimunić will join the club by signing a 3-year-contract. According to German newspaper ‘Bild’ 1899 Hoffenheim agreed to pay the fixed € 7m transfer fee for the 31-year-old.
„I’ve been playing for Berlin for ten years now and the time was very intense I will gladly remember. Hoffenheim for me is a young and modern club with big ambitions and I’m looking forward to share my experience with the young and gifted players” Šimunić said.
“Joe will bring more stability to our squad and will be a central role with his big experience to share with everyone. I’m sure our young players will benefit from him” Manager Jan Schindelmeiser said. 1899’s head coach Ralf Rangnick added: “With the signing of Josip Šimunić we’ll close the gap several more experienced player generated with their move last year.”
The 2008–09 season was Hoffenheim’s first in the German top division, where they were at the top of the table during the winter break with 35 points, thereby winning the unofficial “Herbstmeister” (Autumn-Champion) title. However, they suffered a devastating blow during the winter break when Vedad Ibišević, who was the Bundesliga’s leading goal scorer in the first half of the season, tore an anterior cruciate ligament during a training match against Hamburg. Deprived of their biggest offensive threat, Hoffenheim faded to seventh—still a respectable position for a newly promoted side. Dietmar Hopp is 1899 Hoffenheim’s financial backer. Hopp was the co-founder of software firm SAP and is supporting the club with interest-free loans in the millions.
Mandzukic a fine young man????? What, are you crazy. Have you seen the way this kid acts on the field. He is a big baby.
He and Kalinic have shown nothing. There is a reason both guys are staying, its because no team in their right mind will spend over 5 million for these guys.
Well regards the South Americans – Firstly its hard to think of Etto and Eduardo as Brazilian as they been in Croatia so long now.
However Gullermo Suarez was a very bad signing, so was Junior and Carlos looks only good enough for a mid table HNL side.
Ibanez is promising, but is not strong enough as a left back which is the position we signed him to play and Pedro Morales is hugely talented, but for some reason we're giving priority to Sammir who is good and Badelj. Its not really a great idea to pack the side full of untried South Americans. Its financially crippling really if they turn out to be flops and blocks progress of Croatians.
Hajduk really don't need to do it – they have Jertec, Rubil, Vukusic, Oremus, Tomasov and Ticinovic to cover. I should be in favour of foreign players as it does help to get rid of racist supporters or at least stop them thinking Dinamo and Hajduk is a croatian only club. However HNL does produce a lot of Balkan gems and on the whole thats what it should be for. I think signing players like Sammir, Morales, Ibanez, Etto are worthwhile, but really signing too many like Junior, Suarez type players is a waste of time. Fortunately we've not got to stage of Red Star who used to be total Serb players only, but then Stojkovic signed lots of players from abroad that actually were a pile of garbage. They've had at least 20 foriegn flops in the last 2 years and basically they might as well have stuck with their all serb policy. What i'm basically saying is signing foreign players is only worth it if they are any good. If they are not then really its a damaging thing.
In the end, none of this hot air and speculation will matter. For now, though, it seems it may be premature to say the Cernat deal is dead.
See the attached story from Slobodna Dalmacija.
Congratulations Dinamofan on the Mandzukic news. He truly does seem like a fine young man. I couldn't agree more. I think Kalinic has read too many of his clippings and his head has gotten too big.
Zadnje vijesti: Florin je naš!
Florin Cernat opet je član Hajduka! Rumunjski veznjak novo je pojačanje bijelih; za predstojeću sezonu nakon što su sinoćnji razgovori na stadionu na Poljudu uspješno okončani.
Cernat će, ako danas prođe liječnički pregled zakazan već u sedam sati ujutro, potpisati trogodišnji ugovor za Hajduk vrijedan oko 350 tisuća eura po sezoni.
Pregovori na splitskom stadionu potrajali su oko sat i pol. Predsjednik Hajduka Mate Peroš, član uprave zadužen za struku Fredi Fiorentini i član Nadzornog odbora Mirko Klarić s jedne, te Cernat i menadžer Ioan Becali u pratnji prevoditelja i nogometaševog prijatelja Remusa Dimachea
(inače rumunjskog baletana sa splitskom adresom koji je jedan od zaslužnijih za Cernatov povratak) s druge strane.
Iako je Cernatov dolazak u Split ne pregovore trebao biti obavijen velom tajne ispred stadiona osim novinara pojavilo se i desetak navijača.
Dok su s kata čuli glasni povici "Koliko?!?"; neutvrđenog autora navijači su prema katu na kojem je odvijan razgovor skandirali "Popusti Mate!";.
Kada je već lagano navijače počela obuzimati lagana sumnja nešto prije 23 sata Cernat je s Poljuda izašao s osmijehom od uha do uha što je imalo jasno značenje.
Na novinarsko-navijačke upite u potrazi za potvrdom "Jesi li potpisao?"; kratko je prije ulaska u automobil odgovorio.
– Sutra!
To je bilo dovoljno da krene navijačka pjesma "Ruke ćemo skupa za bile dići….";.Kako doznajemo Cernat i Hajduk našli su se na otprije dogovorenoj godišnjoj gaži u iznosu od 350 tisuća eura.
Nakon uspješno obavijenog posla ni predsjednik Peroš nije krio zadovoljstvo.
– Vrlo lako smo se usuglasili. Sve smo dogovorili i ostaju samo liječnički ugovor te potpisivanje ugovora, što vjerujem neće biti problem. Drago mi je i zbog navijača što je sve ispalo dobro – poručio je Peroš, kojeg smo odmah priupitali i kada će toliko željeni napadači sletjeti na Poljud.
– Polako, nema smisla da požurimo pa pogriješimo.
Yep I knew that Cernat deal would collapse. He wanted more money and Hajduk have already got three good playmakers on there roster. I don't know about any of the other off field news – sorry.
I'm a Dinamo Zagreb fan so really am delighted at news today that Mario Mandzukic will stay for the season. Compare this with Kalinic who thinks he should leave for some major club and won't renew his contract. Mandza is saying he'll give more commitment. I don't know why he is apologising as he always gives 100%. Personally i don't see what harm one more year or one half year at Dinamo will do him. I'm really looking forward to this Mandzo/Papo partnership. It'll be fantastic. Pace and strength is a great combo.
Regards Pandza, Kalinic, Ibricic i think just have to wait and see. I think Hajduk are reluctant to sell for the money they have been offered for their best players. It might be possible they there is no exodus of Croatian league stars this year. Just a lot of speculation and hot air.
As always, a very thorough breakdown Dinamofan! Hvala ljepo!
I can see how the uncertainty surrounding Kalinic and Ibricic is making matters difficult for the club. Can Pandza's name be added to that group? e.g. might he leave as well?
Naumoski's the player who once dreamt of playing for Partizan, no?
I wasn't aware that Dinamo had abandoned its flirtation with South American players. Interesting.
Hajduk had a Uruguayan player a few years ago, no? How did that work out for the club?
Lastly, what can you tell me about the management re-organization at Hajduk? Whose in? Whose out? When will the club begin selling shares? What do Hajduk fans think of the changes?
Oh, one more question, if I may? From what I understand there is some interest, or at least some talk, of developing the grounds where Hajduk used to play (Stari Plac), no? What, if anything, is happening with this? Is there any reason why the club may be less than pleased with the idea of staying at Poljud? e.g. do they share revenues with the city of Split?
Hajduk fail to land Cernat offer
you guys should definatly check out more often hnslatest rumour mill 😉
Re: Tom
Actually there seems to be not too many players for Hajduk to sign at moment. Hajduk fans feel they can't afford Sharbini's, Vrucina, Zec or Troare. They can afford Rodic, Smrekar and Krizman, but all three would be gambles having not had extraordinary seasons. There is a young guy at Hajduk called Vukisic who will get matches next season.
As for Croatian free agents abroad there is not too many left – only Hjorve Vukovic (ex Hajduk defender), Leon Benko, Ivan Bosnjak, Vedran Jese is about all thats left. Benko might be a gamble worth taking.
Budan (Palermo), Deranja (Mouscron), Bjelanovic (Vicenza), Jelavic (Rapid), Banovic (Freiburg), Pamic (Sparta), Ilicevic (Kaiserslautern) have all signed for new clubs or agreed new contracts already.
Goran Ljubojevic has yet to sign an new deal with Genk and Mate Bilic has not agreed a new contract with Sporting Gijon so both those players could be available on frees. Mate Bilic would be an ideal replacement for Kalinic.
RE: Tom
I'll give you all the Hajduk news i know.
From what i've heard from Hajduk fans Cernat is in contract negotiations with the club – who are also targeting Mattersburg Macedonian international striker Ilco Naumoski who is also a target for Hearts and Celtic and has 6 international goals and 13 last season. Naumoski is out of contract.
The problem for Hajduk is that Kalinic and Ibricic have not gone anywhere yet so they don't want to over spend on Cernat and Naumoski if Kalinic and Ibricic do not go anywhere. I think they see them as replacements rather than as well as.
The problem is both these players could transfer elsewhere soon. Hajduk fans are debating with each other whether they need Cernat or if he would hamper the progress of Ticinovic and Tomasov. Some say Cernat is better, some say he's not. He enjoyed a successful loan spell two seasons ago and apparently did well last year for Kiev in the few games he played.
Regards the two Brazilians i don't know them. I don't think they are known even much in Brazil as they were in Gremio's youth team. Who can tell – if will be like Eduardo or poor signing like Suarez. Personally i'm glad Dinamo abandoned there south american policy as i don't really the players settle easily.
For the comedy news regards Hajduk they are attempting to renegotiate the contracts of Marian Buljat and Dario Jertec. But heres the joke they already have solid contracts so have no reason to renegotiate them. Personally i think both are good players and Hajduk should not be letting them go anywhere.
Last peice of news is that Boris Zivkovic, Tomislav Busic, Mladen Bartolovic and Dovani Rosso will not be Hajduk players as from tomorrow as Hajduk chose not to renew their contracts. I don't think Hajduks fans are sorry to see Zivkovic and Rosso leave. Busic and Bartolovic however should be decent signings for another HNL side. Especially Busic, i think he just need a new environment.
Dinamofan,
Dude, I just want to let you know I appreciate your insights into Kalinic and Hajduk as a whole. You are about the only source of this kind of English language insight out there. Well done.
Hey, what are your thoughts on Hajduk's two Brazilian signings? And what is happening with Cernat? Why is he not with the team? Is he still negotiating with the club or is there another reason he has not yet joined the team?
Tom
Just wandering what do people think to the idea of kicking out Juric completely and selecting Vukojevic and Leko permanently in the centre. I think Bilic probably does not think Vuko on his own can handle being the only defensive midfielder in the team. I don't know if i agree or not as not seen Vuko playing on his own alongside Modric. I wander that if Bilic really must absolutely play Pranjic at left back all the time, then maybe Modric might be better suited to help him out by being a left midfielder. Its obvious Rakitic especially and Kranjcar do little to support Pranjic defensively. It did seem once Vuko and Leko came on against Ukraine the team played better. I guess some may question if Leko is good enough to start for Croatia, but i think he is. His performances for Croatia have always been decent – better than what Juric is playing anyway. Also i've got to be honest i don't see what Juric is giving us that's better than an old Niko Kovac. It doesn't seem to have solved the problem. The thing about both Vuko and Leko is that they can both first defend, pass, shoot and create. Juric is a bit of a one trick pony. He's not really a scorer. Obviously this leaves Kranjcar and Rakitic on the bench or one playing off Eduardo. I'm interested to see Bilic's next squad as it definitely looks like much of his post Euro ideas have failed so far so doubt he can stick with it.
I wander if we should make our team something like – Pletikosa, Corluka, Simunic, Krizanac, Pranjic; Srna, Vukojevic, Leko, Modric; Eduardo, (any then any of Petric, Olic, Kranjcar, Rakitic, Klasnic, Mandza)
As for bench players i think Klasnic, Gabric, Mandza, Cale, Pokrivac and maybe Robert Kovac deserve there places on bench and actually nobody else does. Out of form Kalinic, Runje, Subasic, definitely Drpic, definitely Vejic, Juric can all be replaced.
Next season Rukavina, Sertic, Jajalo, Vrdoljak, Knezevic, Mikulic, Lovren should all be monitored and watched – hopefully not by Prosinecki this time.
I reckon as second striker to Eduardo we have about 6 options that'll all do a good job. I mean for Rakitic and Kranjcar it'd be a dream to float behind a central striker. From statements by niko it seems he'd even rather be playing there.
Just on another topic – i've heard about us recruiting Vennegor of Hesselink. I don't know what other Dinamo fans think – but i'm not in favour. I know this player well as he's with Celtic and he will score 30 goals in HNL and Europe, but its not good for Croatian football for people like this to be coming over. Papadopolos is fine. His wages are okay and he's free agent and is only 27. Signing 30 years old for a year is not a good idea though. Just hampers the progress of Sivonjic. I think we should go with Papadopoulos and Slepicka as a front two and see where it takes us. I don't think Slepicka is a great striker or can replace Mandza, but playing off Papadopoulos should work better. Also i wouldn't like to think we've given up on Morales just yet. I think he has more ability than Badelj and Sammir. Sammir is good, but he looks shy in big European games and is bullied off ball easy. Rather than Hessilink i'd like to see us sign a left back and let Vrdoljak move on and bring in Jerko Leko. Leko is essential this season. Signing on a free next season is pointless.
I think Mandza is realistic and has a clear plan for his career. Even his agent who are normally all about getting the biggest financial deal possible for themselves says Mandza doesn't want to go to England and wants to go to Germany. Spurs are looking for a guy who'd sit on there bench as Pavyulchenko doesn't look like he wants to considering his show of discent last season to Redknapp (think hes almost certainly going to Stuggart), Bent also has had enough of being on bench so really why would Mandza want to sit on bench.
He should go where he can get football. I think this transfer is all in Mamic's hands, but we all know its impossible to know whats going on in his head. Its clear he sees him as an asset and if he has to he may showcase him in the Champions League qualifiers to get more money from him should he impress. To be honest thats what i can see Mamic doing. Obviously Mandza prob is wandering why he's not gone already as that bid from Bremen was clearly an appropiate price.
Regards Kalinic on other forums i've heard Hajduk fans not happy with Kalinic. His commitment to the club is horrible. I mean 21. thats no age at all – he's got plenty of time to prove himself good enough for Valencia. Basically Mata is partner for Villa anyway so he's not gonna be in there team. Also Kalinic is nowhere near the standard of Zigic, Morientes or Angulo so i have no idea why they want him. You'd imagine someone like Huntelaar, Van Der Vaart, Kanoute etc so many proven players out there. Kalinic got most of his 15 goals from penalties last season. If he really wanted to test himself he could have given spotkicks to another player. The Hajduk fans i heard have said Gabric is there one consistent player and Ibricic is next best performer and they are more interested in holding onto him. They even say if they get £5m for Kalinic they would be in heaven. I'm not hating on Kalinic just cos i am a Dinamofan, just that he's done nothing so far and is getting way ahead of himself. He could have fired our under 21 team to the tournament or tried to hit 20 goals rather than thinking about moving. I also don't buy into this one up front idea as Hajduk play about 4 attacking midfielders supplying the guy. Andric, Skoko, Ibricic and Gabric are all creative. I hope Kalinic just takes a sensible transfer if he must leave Hajduk. Zenit is fine. I think Palermo won't happen as Budan is refusing to go anywhere and is taking up a foreigner position on the roster.
My take….
Kalinić isnt good enough to play for Valencia. Also, Valencia doesnt have the funds to pay all these millions for an unproven prospect.. How come no one else is interested in Kalinić? No one wants him for that ridiculous 7 million euro price tag..
Mandzukic deserves a top4 league club after putting up great numbers for Dinamo and easing into the Croatian squad..
Crazy Joe will remain at Hertha.. The Brits will forever remember the three yellow cards in one match..
@Dario
I agree with you regarding Pleti… by far the most important contract of the summer for Croatia..
@Dinamofan
Good point on tottenham 'going through players'.. Germany would be a perfect fit for Mario… at least for a few years..
I think Mandza's future will be decided in next 2 weeks. I really hope he don't go to Spurs as they go through so many players and just shows that when they only recently signed Pavyulchenko, Bent and Giovanni and they already don't want them. I think now we have signed Papadopoulos Mamic should be more willing to let Mandza go and maybe that Bremen deal might go through soon. I hope he goes to HSV or Bremen. Klasnic is also a worry, but i reckon he'll move out on loan. Probably nobody will pay £2m or £3m for him, but one of Hertha, Hanover or Hoffenheim would take him on loan. News regards Rakitic has cooled down a bit too. I'd love to see him go to Hamburg. As him and Petric are friends it'd be a good move for Rakitic. I think Pletikosa's best hope is to get a loan move. Quite frankly though we should be looking to replace him with Galinovic. We shouldn't be waiting to see what happens. Really we can't have a keeper who is number 2 at his club as we may as well be selecting Didiluca in that case.
Re: Simunic
Ante, I also think Joe will stay in Hertha. No offer has come in that matches his exit clause fee of €7 million which expires Tuesday. And I believe he and his coach will eventually kiss and make up. This is what Favre recently said:
"I wanted to and still want to work with Joe (Simunic). I am convinced in him. We have worked a lot over the last two years and he is a very, very important player."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/germany/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/09/06/27/SOCCER_Ger-Hertha_Berlin.html&TEAMHD=germany
Btw Pletikosa is the one who worries me most this summer… hope to hear some news on him soon!