sortitoutsi
- FM26 Forums
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- Consent Preferences
- Data Removal Request
Football Manager Graphics
- FM26 Graphics
- FM26 Player Faces
- FM26 Logos
- FM26 Kits
- FM26 Backgrounds
- FM26 Installation Instructions
Football Manager Guides Database
Football Manager Data Update
Football Manager Shortlists
- FM26 Guides
- FM26 Shortlists
- Best FM26 Wonderkids
- Cheap FM26 Wonderkids
- FM26 Young Players aged 21-25
- FM26 Best Free Players
- FM26 Expiring Contracts
- FM26 Bargain Players
- FM26 Injury Prone Players
- FM26 Richest Clubs
- Best FM26 Facilities
- FM24 Update Guides
- FM24 Update Shortlists
- Best FM24 Update Wonderkids
- Cheap FM24 Update Wonderkids
- FM24 Update Young Players aged 21-25
- FM24 Update Best Free Players
- FM24 Update Expiring Contracts
- FM24 Update Bargain Players
- FM24 Update Injury Prone Players
- FM24 Update Richest Clubs
- Best FM24 Update Facilities
This site is not endorsed by Sports Interactive or SEGA and is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed on this site are the views of the individual contributors and not those of Sports Interactive or SEGA.
David Zdolec
Hello everyone!
This year I’m trying something a bit different: a multi-club parallel save with four Croatian teams:
🔹 Dinamo Zagreb
⚪ Hajduk Split
⚪ Rijeka
⚪ Osijek
The goal?
To build the BALKAN ACADEMY – a long-term player development project focused on the Balkan region.
It’s a mix of “academy save” and regen development – not 100% youth-only, but with strong restrictions on transfers.
🌍 Defining the “Balkan”
In this save, “Balkan” includes:
🧠 Rules & Structure
📌 Squad:
📌 Staff:
📌 Transfers:
➤ Max. 3 new players
➤ Max. 1 foreigner (non-Balkan)
➤ Max. 2 loan signings
📌 Board & Training:
🏆 Objectives
ilkaysf
It looks like being a very excited career I love Balkans.
David Zdolec
📘 Update 1: Save Setup – Leagues and Structure
Welcome to my Football Manager 2025 story – a long-term project called "Balkan Academy".
The focus is on developing talent from the Balkans while competing with clubs across Europe. Before diving into the clubs, here’s an overview of the leagues I’ve added and the structure behind the save.
🌍 1. Balkan Core – The Heart of the Save
The backbone of this project lies in the former Yugoslav region and a wider Balkan setup. I've included both top and second divisions to ensure a strong player pool, active domestic competition, and dynamic transfers within the region.
Active Leagues:
🌍 2. Top 5 (or 6) European Leagues – For Balance & Realism
To maintain realism in continental competitions and transfer activity, I’ve activated the top leagues across Europe – including some lower divisions, especially in England.
Active Leagues:
These leagues act as natural endpoints for top Balkan talent and offer constant competition in Europe.
🌍 3. Other Leagues (Top Tier Only)
📅 Start Date
I chose the early 2023/24 pre-season for a clean and full season experience.
Start Date: 19 June 2023
🔜 Coming Next...
In the next update, I’ll introduce the four key clubs involved in the Balkan Academy project:
See you soon in Update 2!
David Zdolec
I just started!
David Zdolec
🔵 Update 2.1 – GNK Dinamo Zagreb
1️⃣ Season Predictions
Dinamo are predicted to finish 1st in the Croatian First Division, with odds of 1.67, ahead of Hajduk and Rijeka.
I agree with the media — Dinamo should win the league comfortably if everything goes to plan.
🔗 Media prediction screenshot
2️⃣ Finances
Dinamo enters the season with a strong financial base — a total balance of €27.8M and a €5M transfer budget, making them the richest club in the Croatian league by far.
The wage budget is healthy, offering room for future adjustments.
Additionally, the club is well within Financial Fair Play regulations. (FFP ✅)
🔗 Finance overview
3️⃣ Staff
Dinamo currently has a solid staff team, but there's still room to hire additional members in several departments.
Most of the current staff are experienced, with many in their mid-40s or older, meaning there could be natural turnover in the coming seasons.
🔗 Full staff overview
4️⃣ Squad by Positions
Dinamo’s squad is well-stocked, with at least 3 players per position, as planned in the save’s structure.
Captain: J. Misić
Vice-Captain: D. Perić
Penalty taker: S. Kulenović
🔗 Captain and penalty details
Key young players to watch this season include:
GK: A. Rajic
LCB: L. Jakirovic
RB: N. Mikic
DM: T. Bakovic
LCM: B. Pavic, K. Rados
RCM: S. Sunta
RW: Belinho
LW: Cardoso Varela, P. Horvat
ST: M. Cutuk, L. Kulusic
Note: The club is currently looking for a strong striker to reinforce the attack, as Kulenović is considered a backup, leaving the team short of a first-choice striker.
🔗 Squad overview
5️⃣ Transfers & Strategy
Dinamo is focusing on reinforcing the squad primarily with Balkan players, as the club already has 9 foreign players occupying spots.
Important notes:
Here is the current list of potential Balkan players to consider, helping to avoid using up a foreign player slot immediately:
🔗 Link to Balkan players list
The plan also includes selling some of the current foreign players to free up space for better reinforcements in key positions.
Question for the readers:
Which striker from this list do you think would be the best fit for Dinamo’s style and ambitions? Who would you like to see leading the attack this season?
David Zdolec
Update 2.2 – Hajduk Split
1️⃣ Predictions
At the beginning of the 2023/2024 season, Hajduk Split are predicted by the media to finish in 2nd place in the Croatian First Division, with odds of 4.00. While they are seen as the main challenger to Dinamo, there's strong competition from Rijeka as well.
My personal prediction? I see Hajduk finishing 3rd, slightly behind Rijeka. The squad has quality and depth, but consistency and squad balance will be key if they want to exceed expectations and stay in the title race.
🔗 Prediction screenshot
2️⃣ Finances
Hajduk Split enter the season in a stable financial position.
While the transfer budget is moderate, the overall financial health gives the club room to maneuver. Smart deals and perhaps some outgoings could further unlock spending potential as the season progresses.
🔗 Finance screenshots
3️⃣ Staff
Hajduk currently has several key backroom positions still unfilled, particularly within the first team coaching and scouting departments. Strengthening these areas will be a priority early in the season to support player development and tactical consistency.
Interestingly, the U19 team is overstaffed, so a review will be conducted to determine which roles are necessary and which staff members might be released to balance the structure.
🔗 Staff screenshots
4️⃣ Squad Depth by Position
🔗 Captaincy Screenshot
Hajduk has solid depth across most positions, but there are three areas currently being targeted for reinforcement:
As part of the save’s philosophy, at least 3 players per position are maintained across the squad. In addition, the club boasts a strong group of young talents pushing for first-team opportunities:
🔹 GK – R. Bezeljak
🔹 RCB – A. Bartulović
🔹 RB – Z. Hrastović
🔹 LB – D. Milišić
🔹 RCM – F. Bokan
🔹 LCM – R. Vojvodić
🔹 AMC – S. Kajtazi
🔹 RW – D. Babić
🔹 LW – I. Ora
🔹 ST – B. Mišura, S. Perko, M. Juričić
🔗 Squad Depth Screenshot
5️⃣ Transfers
Currently, the club has 5 foreign players in the squad.
The club is currently focusing on scouting players from within the Balkans and is not looking to sign foreign players at this moment.
For the upcoming transfer window, Hajduk is focusing on strengthening three key positions:
Potential targets include a mix of young, promising players and experienced defenders who can add depth and quality to the backline. The shortlist features players with different profiles, allowing flexibility in transfer negotiations.
🔗RB shortlist
Finding a creative and dynamic AMC is a priority. The shortlist highlights players with strong technical skills and the ability to unlock defenses, which will complement the team’s attacking style.
🔗 AMC shortlist
The striker position is crucial, and Hajduk is actively scouting forwards who can consistently score and lead the line. The shortlist includes a variety of strikers, from proven goal-scorers to emerging talents.
🔗 ST shortlist
David Zdolec
Update 2.3 – Rijeka
1️⃣ Predictions
According to the media, Rijeka are predicted to finish 3rd this season with odds of 7.00, behind Dinamo and Hajduk.
Still, considering their balanced squad and solid start to pre-season, I personally believe Rijeka could challenge Hajduk and potentially secure 2nd place by the end of the campaign.
🔗 Prediction screenshot
2️⃣ Finances
Although Rijeka operates with a smaller budget compared to the other top Croatian clubs, their finances are stable and FFP compliant, which offers some flexibility in the market.
📸 Finance screenshots
3️⃣ Staff
Rijeka currently has a modest backroom setup, with room to improve across multiple departments. Most key positions at the senior level are filled, but there’s still potential to strengthen in coaching and recruitment areas.
The U19 team, however, lacks depth in staff and will require several appointments to support youth development. This could be a key step forward in building a long-term vision for the club.
🔗 Staff screenshots
4️⃣ Squad Depth by Position
Although Škorić has just joined the club in the most recent transfer window, his leadership qualities immediately stood out — earning him the captain's armband.
🔗 Captain & Penalty Duties Screenshot
Every position is covered with at least two good players, ensuring solid squad depth across the pitch. A few young players have caught the eye early on and will be closely monitored throughout the season:
🔹GK: J. Jurčević
🔹RCB: L. Kitin
🔹LCB: R. Valenčić
🔹RB: F. Salković, L. Murica, M. Peranović
🔹LB: M. Miškulin
🔹RCM: A. Lekaj
🔹LCM: R. Zlibanović
🔹LW: N. Lovrić, D.V. Mrvčić
🔹ST: A. Bačić
🔗 Squad depth & youth screenshot
5️⃣ Transfers
Rijeka currently has 5 foreign players in the squad.
The club is currently focusing on scouting players from within the Balkans and is not looking to sign foreign players at this moment.
For the upcoming transfer window, Rijeka is focusing on strengthening AMC and ST key positions:
Finding a creative and dynamic AMC is a priority. The shortlist highlights players with strong technical skills and the ability to unlock defenses, which will complement the team’s attacking style.
🔗AMC Shortlist
The striker position is crucial, and Hajduk is actively scouting forwards who can consistently score and lead the line. The shortlist includes a variety of strikers, from proven goal-scorers to emerging talents.
🔗ST Shortlist
David Zdolec
Update 2.4 – Osijek
1️⃣ Predictions
According to the media, Osijek are predicted to finish 4th this season with odds of 34.00 — the same as Lokomotiva.
Still, with a stable squad and decent depth across key areas, I personally believe Osijek will live up to expectations and secure 4th place by the end of the campaign.
🔗 Prediction screenshot
2️⃣ Finances
Osijek may not have the financial power of the league’s giants, but the club maintains a healthy balance and is fully FFP compliant — allowing for smart, targeted moves in the transfer market.
💰 Transfer budget: €800k
🏦 Overall balance: €4.8M
✅ Financial Fair Play (FFP): Compliant
🔗 Finance screenshots
3️⃣ Staff
Osijek currently has a fairly well-structured backroom team at the senior level, with most essential roles covered. However, there is still room for improvement — particularly in enhancing the quality of coaching and scouting staff.
The U19 setup shows several unfilled positions, indicating a need to invest in youth development infrastructure. Strengthening this department will be crucial in supporting Osijek’s long-term strategy.
🔗 Staff screenshots
4️⃣ Squad Depth by Position
🔗 Captaincy & Penalties screenshot
Osijek has a well-structured squad with at least one solid option per position, allowing for rotation and stability throughout the season. Several youth players stand out early and will be monitored closely as the season progresses:
🔹 GK: M. Grahovac
🔹 RCB: I. Kolarić
🔹 LCB: S. Begović
🔹 RB: N. Bilić
🔹 CM: G. Livić, F. Peček
🔹 AMC: A. Grgić
🔹 RW: A. Sainović
🔹 LW: D. Jaman, A. Mičić
🔹 ST: I. Barić
🔗 Squad depth & youth screenshot
5️⃣ Transfers
Osijek currently has 6 foreign players registered in the squad. However, several of them hold dual nationality from Balkan countries, meaning they do not count as full foreign players under league rules:
The club is currently focusing on scouting players from within the Balkans and is not looking to sign foreign players at this moment.
For the upcoming transfer window, Osijek is prioritizing reinforcements on both wings (RW & LW), as these areas currently lack depth and consistency.
🔗 RW & LW Shortlist
David Zdolec
📘 Update 3: Transfer Window Summary
🔵 GNK Dinamo Zagreb
➡️ Transfers In:
Dinamo’s marquee signing of the window, Matanović arrives with a strong reputation as a powerful and technically gifted striker. Standing tall with excellent physical presence, he is expected to lead the line or rotate in a two-striker system. At just 21, he also represents a long-term investment with high resale potential. His arrival signals Dinamo’s ambition both domestically and in Europe.
A familiar face returns to Maksimir. Rog, now a seasoned professional with international experience, re-joins Dinamo to bring depth and reliability to the midfield. While not expected to be a regular starter, his versatility and leadership will be valuable throughout the season – especially in rotation and cup fixtures.
A dynamic and technically sharp attacker who can cover both right wing and striker roles. Topić is viewed as a high-upside talent who could become a regular starter if he performs well. Quick, agile, and intelligent in space, he offers much-needed energy in the final third.
A strong defensive midfielder brought in to reinforce the base of midfield. Known for his tackling, interceptions, and tactical discipline, Soldo adds bite and protection to Dinamo’s central line. (this inter-club transfer was allowed as it reflects a real-life move)
✅ 2/3 allowed free transfers used
✅ 2/2 loans with optional fees used
❌ Transfers Out:
No longer part of the first-team plans, the experienced center-back was sold.
Another veteran center-back leaving the club as part of the squad refresh.
📤 Players out on loan
💰 Finances
A large portion of the budget was spent early, mainly on the signing of Igor Matanović. One registration slot remains open for a potential addition, and the remaining funds might be saved for the next transfer window if needed.
🏟️ Matches & Competitions
Hajduk Split
➡️ Transfers In:
A technically gifted winger with international experience, Boljević joins to strengthen the flanks. Primarily a left winger, he also offers flexibility on the right, bringing creativity, dribbling ability, and final-third intelligence.
A dynamic and hard-working right-back, Doka brings stamina, aggression, and a solid defensive mindset. He’s expected to offer competition and cover in the full-back positions, especially useful in a long domestic campaign. His versatility and work rate will be key in high-intensity matches.
Central defender, adds physical presence at the back.
Familiar name in Croatian football, Marić is a proven striker with a strong scoring record in the region. He joins on loan with an option to buy, providing Hajduk with a reliable and experienced option up front.
An exciting attacking midfielder, Bozhanaj offers flair, vision, and a creative spark in the final third.
✅ 3/3 allowed free transfers used
✅ 2/2 loans with optional fees used
❌ Transfers Out:
📤 Players out on loan
💰 Finances
🏟️ Matches & Competitions
Osijek
➡️ Transfers In:
A nimble and technically skilled winger, Karrica joins Osijek to add creativity and flair on the flanks. Comfortable on either wing, his dribbling and acceleration make him a threat in one-on-one situations.
A highly versatile and hard-working full-back, Todoroski strengthens Osijek’s defensive options. Naturally a right-back, he’s equally comfortable on the left and offers tactical flexibility for different systems..
A familiar face returns to Gradski vrt. Grezda brings experience and explosiveness on the wings, having already proven himself in the Croatian league. While once a key figure, he now re-joins to provide depth and experience in the wide areas, with the hope of reviving his best form.
A physical centre-forward with strong hold-up play and finishing instincts. Rakonjac offers a more traditional striker profile – something Osijek lacked last season.
A young and promising midfielder brought in to reinforce the centre of the park. Vasilj is a box-to-box engine with good passing vision and work rate.
✅ 3/3 allowed free transfers used
✅ 2/2 loans with optional fees used
❌ Transfers Out:
📤 Players out on loan
💰 Finances
🏟️ Matches & Competitions
Rijeka
➡️ Transfers In:
A dynamic forward who can play both as a central striker and on the right wing. Prelec offers mobility, sharp finishing, and intelligent off-the-ball movement. Still only 23, he arrives as a key piece for Rijeka’s attacking future and is expected to challenge for a starting spot immediately.
A physically imposing striker, Mulahusejnović brings a more traditional No.9 presence to Rijeka’s front line. Known for his aerial ability and hold-up play, he’s expected to add strength and directness in attack
A left-footed centre-back brought in to add depth and competition in the heart of defense. Krizmanić is reliable in build-up play and offers solid positioning, making him a useful rotational option with potential for a permanent move.
An experienced goalkeeper joining to provide stability between the posts. With quick reflexes and good distribution, Filipović is expected to challenge for the starting role and bring leadership to the backline. (one permitted inter-club loan.)
✅ 2/3 allowed free transfers used
✅ 2/2 loans with optional fees used
❌ Transfers Out:
📤 Players out on loan
💰 Finances
🏟️ Matches & Competitions
- UEFA Champions League – 2nd Qualifying Round: Lost 8–0 on aggregate to RB Salzburg
- UEFA Europa League – 3rd Qualifying Round: Lost 5–0 on aggregate to PAOK
- UEFA Europa Conference League – Play-off Round: Lost 6–0 on aggregate to Silkeborg IF
David Zdolec
📘 Update 4: Youth Intake Evaluation
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Intake
This is a terrific group of players coming through, and has the potential to be a real golden generation for the club.
Quality by Position
Hajduk
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Intake
This is a terrific group of players coming through, and has the potential to be a real golden generation for the club.
Quality by Position
Osijek
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Intake
This is a terrific group of players coming through, and has the potential to be a real golden generation for the club.
Quality by Position
Rijeka
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Intake
This is a excellent group of players coming through.
Quality by Position
David Zdolec
📘 Update 5:
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
📋 Board Requests Status
❌ Improve youth recruitment
✅ Improve training facilities (completed on 12/02/2024)
✅ Expand coaching staff (7 → 9 members)
🔁 Winter Transfers
➡️ IN:
✅ Fran Topić – loan turned permanent (€700k from Zrinjski)
✅ Maro Katinić – centre-back (loan) to boost defensive options
⬅️ OUT:
❌ Marko Soldo – loan cancelled, returned to Osijek
🔢 Transfer summary:
0/3 free transfers
1/2 loans
🏟️ Recent Matches (Post-Winter Period)
❌ Osijek 0:1 Dinamo
❌ Dinamo 1:3 Hajduk
❌ Dinamo 3:5 Rijeka
➖ Varaždin 1:1 Dinamo
📉 Form: Poor run with 3 defeats and 1 draw in 4 matches – increasing pressure on squad.
Hajduk Split
📋 Board Requests Status
(No recent update provided)
🔁 Winter Transfers
➡️ IN:
✅ Petko Hristov – centre-back, signed from Spezia for €1.4M (starter)
✅ Mirko Marić – loan turned permanent (€0)
✅ Kleis Bozhanaj – loan turned permanent (€0)
⬅️ OUT:
❌ Filip Uremović – sold to Atlético Pamplona for €1.9M (potentially €2.2M)
❌ Mario Maloča – veteran centre-back sold to Norwich for €10k
🔢 Transfer summary:
1/3 free transfers
0/2 loans
🏟️ Recent Matches (Post-Winter Period)
➖ Lokomotiva 2:2 Hajduk
✅ Hajduk 3:1 Dinamo
➖ Hajduk 0:0 Istra
❌ Osijek 3:0 Hajduk
❌ Rijeka 2:0 Hajduk
📊 Form: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses – after a strong win vs Dinamo, form declined, affecting title chase.
NK Osijek
📋 Board Requests Status
❌ Improve youth recruitment (no upgrades)
✅ Increased transfer budget (raised to €1M)
✅ Coaching staff increased (7 → 9 members)
🔁 Winter Transfers
➡️ IN:
✅ Matija Nastasić – centre-back, free transfer, adds leadership
✅ Matej Rodin – centre-back, free transfer, strong aerial presence
✅ Ivan Mamut – striker, free transfer, offers versatility
✅ Marko Rakonjac – loan turned permanent (€155k), key forward
⬅️ OUT:
❌ Luka Jelenić – centre-back sold for €300k to Djurgårdens IF
❌ Vedran Jugović – defensive midfielder sold for €3.4k to Gwangju
🔢 Transfer summary:
3/3 free transfers
0/2 loans
🏟️ Recent Matches (Post-Winter Period)
✅ Osijek 1:0 Dinamo
✅ Rijeka 0:1 Osijek
✅ Osijek 2:1 Vukovar
✅ Osijek 3:0 Hajduk
📊 Form: 4 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses – excellent form, strengthening top-table position.
HNK Rijeka
📋 Board Requests Status
✅ Improve youth recruitment (fulfilled)
✅ Increased transfer budget (€175k)
✅ Coaching staff increased (7 → 9 members)
🔁 Winter Transfers
➡️ IN:
✅ Jurica Pršir – central midfielder, €600k release clause triggered (from HNK Gorica)
✅ Robert Murić – winger, free transfer, fan favorite
✅ Domagoj Pavičić – attacking midfielder, free transfer
✅ Krešimir Krizmanić – loan turned permanent (€300k), centre-back
⬅️ OUT:
❌ Silvio Ilinković – defensive midfielder sold to VTSC for €275k (potentially €300k)
🔢 Transfer summary:
3/3 free transfers
0/2 loans
🏟️ Recent Matches (Post-Winter Period)
✅ Rijeka 2:1 Istra
❌ Rijeka 0:1 Osijek
✅ Rijeka 5:3 Dinamo
➖ Vukovar 2:2 Rijeka
✅ Rijeka 2:0 Hajduk
📊 Form: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss – strong bounce-back with big wins vs Dinamo and Hajduk.