RCD Espanyol have confirmed the signing of Slovenian defender Vanja Drkušić. As reported by La Vanguardia, the 26-year-old centre-back joins on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg this week, with a non-mandatory purchase option included in the deal.
Drkušić becomes the club's fifth signing for the 2026/27 season, following Álex Calatrava, Quilindschy Hartman, Gabriel Moscardo and Unai Núñez. His official presentation is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:00 PM. The player brings substantial experience from European leagues, having won titles in both Russia and Serbia.
What experience does Vanja Drkušić bring?
Vanja Drkušić arrives at Espanyol with a trophy cabinet that includes a Russian League title and Super Cup with Zenit. Previously, during his spell at Red Star Belgrade, he added a Serbian League and Cup double to his resume. He has been a full international for Slovenia since March 2023 and has already earned 30 caps. He was part of the squad that reached the round of 16 at Euro 2024, a high-pressure environment the club values.
His career began in the youth ranks of NK Krško and SC Heerenveen, where he made his professional breakthrough. Stints at Italian side Rende, Slovenian club NK Bravo, and Russian outfit Sochi rounded out his development before settling at Zenit. This background in different leagues and football cultures is an asset highlighted by manager Manolo González and his staff.
How does he fit into the Espanyol squad?
The arrival of Drkušić addresses a specific need to increase options in the heart of defence. His physical profile and international experience offer a different option to the centre-backs already in the squad. The perico team is seeking defensive solidity to tackle the challenges of the season, which include a firm commitment to improve their position in the standings.
With this addition, Espanyol complete a defensive unit with several choices for the coach. Competition for starting spots intensifies, which usually translates to better collective performance. The club has had an active summer transfer window, focused on strengthening key areas with players in Drkušić's age bracket, which blends youth with experience.
What is the state of the transfer market?
The signing of Vanja Drkušić closes, for now, the search for a first-team centre-back. Espanyol have been one of the most active clubs in LaLiga during this transfer period, with five confirmed additions. The spending and loan strategy reflect a defined sporting plan to build a competitive squad.
The non-mandatory purchase option on Drkušić gives the club flexibility to assess his performance throughout the campaign before making a final financial decision. This type of clause has become common in modern football, allowing investments to be adjusted based on sporting results. Fans can follow the progress of all new signings through the team's official stats.
The team's next official match will be a test for the new-look defence. Drkušić's physical preparation and tactical adaptation will be factors to watch in the coming weeks, within a packed schedule visible on the fixtures page. The immediate goal is for the Slovenian to integrate quickly and provide stability from the first minute.
