Hajduk signs Marin Šotiček on loan from Basel after previous rejection

Marin Šotiček, a 21-year-old Croatian footballer, has officially joined Hajduk Split on a one-year loan from Swiss club Basel, with the option for a permanent transfer. The move comes after Šotiček previously rejected Hajduk, reportedly stating he was a "Dinamovac" (a supporter of Dinamo Zagreb) and could not join their rivals. He instead moved to Basel for three million euros but did not fully develop his talent there.

Hajduk's acquisition of Šotiček was accelerated by a serious injury to Roko Brajković, making Šotiček a much-needed reinforcement for coach Gonzalo García. The club's new sporting director, Robert Graf, expressed satisfaction with the signing, highlighting Šotiček's explosive nature, strength, and one-on-one ability. Graf believes Šotiček's speed, pressing, and defensive contributions will enhance Hajduk's attacking line and competition.

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The impressions are fantastic, I can't wait to meet the team and start working as soon as possible. I follow our league, I really like coach Garcia's football, I think I can easily fit into his ideas. Also, I know many players with whom I play in the younger age groups, and I am sure that they will help me go the way I need to go. I want to give my best in every game, work maximally for the team to win, and with work and effort, everything will come into its own.

Šotiček, who was born in Slovenia but developed his career in Croatia, expressed excitement about joining Hajduk. He is eager to meet his new teammates and adapt to coach García's tactical ideas, noting that he knows many players from younger age groups. He aims to give his best in every match to help the team win.

The transfer marks a significant move for Šotiček, who previously attracted interest from Dinamo Zagreb. Although a deal with Dinamo was reportedly agreed upon with his former club Lokomotiva, negotiations with the player himself stalled, ultimately leading him to Hajduk.

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We are pleased that Marin has decided to join Hajduk. Strengthening the wing positions was one of our priorities in this transfer window, and we believe Marin is the player we are looking for. He is explosive, strong, and very good in "one-on-one" situations. He possesses speed with which he can easily attack spaces behind the defensive line, contributes offensively to his team through pressing, but also participates in defensive tasks. Although he is still very young, he has already gained valuable experience playing for Lokomotiva and Basel, while his status in the Croatian U-21 national team proves his current quality, but also future potential. We are convinced that his characteristics fit our style of play and that he will enrich the competition and bring quality to our attacking line. We wish him a warm welcome to Hajduk and look forward to supporting his development.