Rijeka close to loaning Basel's Marin Šotiček HNK Rijeka is working on a loan deal for Basel's Marin Šotiček, according to Sportske novosti. The offensive midfielder, who started his career at Lokomotiva, is one of Croatia's biggest talents. Rijeka wants to bring him in on loan with an option to buy. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in HNL, 53 pts, 14W-11D-11L from 36 games, recent form WDWWD. ## What happened with Dinamo and Hajduk? Dinamo and Hajduk wanted to sign Šotiček, but deals fell through. Dinamo offered him a monthly salary of €10,000, which his father saw as an insult. Hajduk was interested, but Basel moved quickly and signed him for €3 million. ## Why is Rijeka interested? Šotiček made 38 appearances last season for Basel, scoring once and assisting three times. He has 20 caps and three goals for Croatia's U-21 team. Transfermarkt values him at €1.5 million. ## What's next for Šotiček? Polish outlet Meczyki.pl reported he would sign for Widzew Łódź, but it seems he could end up at Rijeka instead. Šotiček wants to join Rijeka, but the club must first agree terms with Basel.