Zadar Board Blocks Rade Zagorac Transfer in Sudden U-Turn

Rade Zagorac’s move to Zadar appeared practically complete on Friday. Within 24 hours, the transfer had become uncertain after the club’s supervisory board refused to approve his contract.

The decision drew extra attention after claims emerged that some people in the club leadership opposed signing the 31-year-old Serbian because of his nationality and his past as Partizan captain. Zadar’s supervisory board firmly rejected that interpretation. “The player’s nationality was not, and could not have been, a criterion in the Supervisory Board’s decision,” the club said.

Board member Krešimir Lonić told Antena Zadar that members voted on the contract during a telephone meeting. Director Roko Jurlina had previously sent them the proposed agreement, but it did not receive the required approval. Lonić said the key issue was financial. Zadar is prioritizing a center in the final stage of building its roster, while Zagorac can play as a small forward and power forward, positions where the club already has several options.

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The player’s nationality was not, and could not have been, a criterion in the Supervisory Board’s decision.

The board’s formal explanation stated: “The Supervisory Board did not give its consent to conclude the proposed contract.” Any legal transaction worth more than €70,000 requires prior approval, and Zagorac’s proposed deal exceeded that amount. Zadar’s planned annual budget for its playing roster is about €800,000.

The club listed Marko Ramljak, Dario Drežnjak, Ivan Vučić, Lovro Klarica and Šime Šarac among its existing options in the positions Zagorac covers. It identified the signing of a strong, physical center as its main priority before the transfer window closes. Meridian Sport first reported that Zagorac had agreed to join Zadar, then reported that the club abandoned the move after the board’s decision.

Zagorac, a former Serbian international, was the 35th pick in the 2016 NBA draft and made his strongest mark at Partizan, where he also served as captain. He later played in Russia, Turkey and Taiwan. Zadar had expected an experienced, high-profile addition, but the deal is now far from complete.

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The Supervisory Board did not give its consent to conclude the proposed contract.