Official: Drkusic joins Espanyol on loan from Zenit

Espanyol has officially confirmed the signing of Slovenian international centre-back Vanja Drkusic, 26, from Zenit St Petersburg. According to Mundo Deportivo, the operation is structured as a loan until 2027 with a purchase option for the Catalan club, just two days before their La Liga debut against Levante.

This is Espanyol's fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Àlex Calatrava, Hartmant, Moscardo and Unai Núñez. The right-footed defender, who impressed for the Slovenian national team at the recent Euro 2024, strengthens the backline and caps the centre-back roster alongside Unai Núñez, Riedel and Cabrera, pending the departure of Miguel Rubio.

The player's commitment seals the deal

Drkusic's own determination proved crucial in finalising the agreement. The centre-back prioritised Espanyol despite having other tempting offers on the table: Greek side PAOK had his loan very advanced, while Sevilla and Osasuna were also pursuing him. Notably, the Greek club was eliminated from the Europa League qualifying rounds against Anderlecht on Thursday, just as Drkusic decided to turn them down.

The defender boasts considerable European experience: he has played for Dutch outfit Heerenveen, Sochi, Red Star Belgrade and has won Russian League and Super Cup titles with Zenit, plus Serbian honours. After passing his medical on Friday, he represents a quality reinforcement for Espanyol to start La Liga with defensive assurance.