Transfer

HSV sign Dennis Hadzikadunic

While the Rothosen were en route to their training camp in Austria, back in Hamburg, the club confirmed the signing of Dennis Hadzikadunic.

Hamburger SV have completed the signing of Dennis Hadzikadunic. The 24-year-old centre-back is still under contract at Russian top-flight club FK Rostov, however, he us able to make use of the FIFA regulation introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that allows foreign players to suspend their contract for a year. After spells with Malmö FF and most recently RCD Mallorca, the Bosnia-Herzegovina international has signed for HSV until the end of 2023/24.

“We’ve been able to acquire an aggressive and tough-tackling centre-back in Dennis, who brings a significant amount of experience with him,” said director of football, Claus Costa. “We have had our eye on Dennis for some time and are delighted that the opportunity has now arisen for us to sign him. He is a very focused and adaptable individual, he speaks several languages, including some basic German knowledge, and we’re looking forward to having him on board,” added Costa.

Hadzikadunic was born in the Swedish city of Malmö in 1998 and took the first steps of his career at his local club. He made the step up to the Malmö FF first team as an 18-year-old and also went on to feature 37 times for Sweden’s various youth national teams. In 2018, he made the switch to Russia first-division side FK Rostov, followed two years later by a change of national team; Hadzikadunic has won 20 caps for the Bosnia-Herzegovina senior national team to date.

After around four years in Russia and 60 league appearances for Rostov, Hadzikadunic returned to his home club Malmö FF in March 2022 following the breakout of the war and the introduction of FIFA’s special ruling. He played 25 times in Sweden’s top flight, before securing a move to RCD Mallorca in La Liga in January 2023, where he made eight league appearances.

“We first spoke a few weeks ago, and then talks intensified in recent days. The HSV management were very keen to bring me on board and showed me how I can help the club achieve its goals,” said Hadzikadunic, who will join up with the team at the training camp in Austria as soon as possible. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates. I’m of course very excited for my first game at the Volksparkstadion too, as I have heard a lot of great things about the fans and the atmosphere here. I’m very happy to be at HSV.”