Gorica completes €1.9M transfer of Iker Pozo to Rodina Moscow — the deal ranks among the club’s most lucrative exits ever. The Spanish midfielder, who Dinamo Zagreb eyed for midfield reinforcement, has signed a three-year contract with Russia’s Premier League newcomer, giving Gorica a financial boost ahead of a challenging season where they currently lead the First League on 0 points after a poor start (2W-1D-2L in their last five, most recently a 2-0 loss to Krško on May 23, 2026).

Why is this transfer a major win for Gorica?

The total deal value, including bonuses, is €1.9 million, placing Pozo fourth on Gorica’s all-time highest exit fees behind Iyayi Atiemwen (€2.65M), Kristijan Lovrić (€2.25M), and Dominik Kotarski (€2M). The club rejected Partizan’s €1.5M offer and saw Dinamo Zagreb fail to match Rodina’s bid, despite monitoring Pozo during the winter. Rodina, debuting in Russia’s top flight this season, met Gorica’s financial demands.

Why was Pozo a target for Dinamo and Partizan?

Born in 2000 in Fuengirola, Pozo trained at Real Madrid’s and Manchester City’s academies, where he was named City’s U18 Player of the Year in 2018. His senior debut came on loan at FC Eindhoven, before joining Šibenik in Croatia, where he played 61 matches and scored three goals. At Gorica, he had his best senior season: as a defensive midfielder, he scored five goals and provided seven assists, making him a hot property for bigger clubs.

What’s next for Gorica after Pozo’s departure?

The club faces challenges in the upcoming campaign, especially after starting the season with 0 points. While Pozo’s transfer brings significant funds, Gorica must quickly find a replacement for his pivotal midfield role. Currently top of the table but winless, they’ll need reinforcements and defensive stability. Their most recent loss, a 2-0 defeat to Krško on May 23, 2026, underscores the urgency of their needs.**