Čavlina and Osijek cannot bury the hatchet, is he the solution to Dinamo’s problems?
This summer, Dinamo decided to buy out the contract of Lokomotive goalkeeper and U-21 national team member Nikola Čavlina, which led many to the conclusion that they brought in the greatest goalkeeping talent in Croatia.
The club paid a clause of 750,000 euros, which was agreed upon when Chavlina In 2022, he moved from Dinamo to Lokomotiva. However, aware that the young goalkeeper needs minutes and experience, Dinamo sent him on loan to Osijek, where the sports director Jose Boto and welcomed the club with great expectations.
But instead of imposing himself, Čavlina faced serious challenges. Already in the first game of SuperSport HNL against Šibenik (1:2), where Osijek unexpectedly lost, he made two big mistakes that led to goals. Cohort after that she whistled at him, a Ramón Mierezthen Osijek’s best player, came to his defense, taking him off the field to protect him from disgruntled fans. But the problems continued off the field.
Čavlina openly criticized the way of training in Osijek, claiming that it affects his performances, and stated that he will not allow anyone to “treat him like a kid”. Those statements further angered the fans and club leaders, including the director Vladimir Čoharwho called the situation “catastrophic” and stated “Colloquially, you seriously shot her in the knees“.
Osijek soon replaced Čavlina Marko Malenicawho proved to be excellent in goal. With Malenica at the door, Osijek significantly improved their form, while Čavlina remained on the bench.
Dinamo must now decide what to do with the young goalkeeper. One possibility is to return him to Maksimir to join the team, especially due to the frequent injuries of the first goalkeeper Nevistić. Another option is to send him on a new loan, probably to another SuperSport HNL club, where he could get much-needed playing time and regain his form. Whatever they decide, it is clear that this winter will be crucial for his career.
