The Albanian Spark Arrives in Split

Drumroll, please! The transfer window has officially cracked open at Hajduk Split, and the first name on the board is pure electricity. Etnik Brruti, the 22-year-old Albanian midfielder, is set to sign as a free agent in the coming days. This marks the inaugural signature of new sporting director Robert Graf, a man clearly looking to inject fresh energy into the dressing room. Brruti arrives after his contract with KF Malisheva in Kosovo expired, bringing with him a reputation as a genuine talent across the region.

Why is everyone talking about him? Brruti has been a standout for Albania’s U21 side, having previously played for Kosovo’s youth teams. He has even caught the eye of senior manager Sylvinho. Transfermarkt values him at a modest 550,000 euros, but his stats tell a louder story: nine goals and five assists in 35 appearances last season across league, cup, and Conference League qualifiers. That is efficiency.

Squad Shuffle and The Almena Question

But it is not just about who enters the arena. Hajduk has begun clearing the decks. Anthony Kalik and Ismael Diallo are confirmed out, with the club refusing to extend their deals. Zvonimir Šarlija, Filip Krovinović, and Hugo Guillamon remain under contract but are free to seek new pastures, a polite way of saying the club wants them gone. Ante Rebić sits on the fence, holding a contract extension offer but yet to pen his name.

The biggest headline, however, surrounds Iker Almena. His loan from Saudi side Al Qadsiah ends this season, and Hajduk cites financial constraints as the barrier to renewal. Sources suggest the Spanish winger is trending toward GNK Dinamo Zagreb, with the Croatian champions reportedly negotiating a loan with an option to buy. The drama is just beginning in Split.