Luca Zidane’s African Cup of Nations Journey
Luca Zidane’s participation in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) came to an abrupt end, but this early exit might just be the turning point for his career. Representing Algeria as their starting goalkeeper, the 27-year-old was unable to thwart the team’s elimination in the quarter-finals against Nigeria, ending the match 0-2. Despite this setback, his performances throughout the tournament provided him with a significant opportunity to showcase his skills on an international platform, marking his emergence as an international player after securing his Algerian nationality.
Rising Interest from European Clubs
Luca Zidane’s strong showing in the tournament, despite the loss, has caught the eye of several European clubs. Particularly noteworthy is his status as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Algerian national team, which has only increased his market value. Currently under contract with Granada until June 30, 2027, Zidane’s performances have made him a highly coveted asset. Granada, currently battling relegation in the Spanish second division, will find it increasingly challenging to maintain their squad if players like Zidane are pursued.
Dinamo Zagreb’s Winter Move
According to reports from A.S. and various Croatian sources, Dinamo Zagreb is one of the clubs closely monitoring Zidane’s situation. The Croatian side is reportedly considering a bid of around €2 million to acquire the goalkeeper during the upcoming winter transfer window. This move could offer Zidane a smoother transition, thanks to the presence of several former La Liga players and French-speaking faces, including his national teammate Ismaël Bennacer.
Financial Benefits for Granada
For Granada, selling Luca Zidane for approximately €2 million would be a substantial financial boost. The club initially brought him in for about €500,000 in the summer of 2024. Such a transfer would not only alleviate some of the financial pressures they face but also require them to quickly search for a replacement to shore up their goalkeeping position.
Zidane might have been eliminated from CAN 2025, but his visibility on the European scene has risen dramatically. This makes him one of the hot topics to watch this coming winter as clubs look to strengthen their squads.
As the transfer window approaches, eyes will be on Zidane. Will he make a move to Dinamo Zagreb, or will other European clubs stake their claim? The winter transfer window promises to be a crucial moment for him and Granada alike.