Hajduk Split sporting director Robert Graf has admitted the club desperately need to sell players before they can add to their squad, handing Celtic a major boost in their pursuit of Niko Sigur.
Graf also conceded that the Canada international is one of two players who can help achieve that purpose. The Hoops have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old — who can play both in midfield and at right back — in the past 12 months, and Record Sport understands that the player is very keen on the move. Recent reports claim that Celtic will be able to land him for around £3 million.
Hajduk's financial struggles
Like Celtic, Hajduk Split are also in European play-off action this week, with Polish outfit Rakow Czestochowa standing between them and a place in the revamped group stage of the Conference League. Graf admitted that their ability to reinforce their playing squad will depend on that two-legged tie, as well as the potential departures of their key men.
Asked about the two players in their roster who can command the highest transfer fees, he replied: "Rokas (Pukstas) and Niko Sigur. Those two players."
Graf, who was speaking to Polish podcast Mieczyki, continued: "The transfer budget is around zero, so at least I don't have a problem with money because I don't have it. I'm also changing the entire salary structure a bit, reducing income. I want to structure it because it's been a bit chaotic in that area here. Financially, we're not looking the best. I hope that after selling players, we'll manage to set aside some money for transfers."
Abyss compared to Dinamo Zagreb
He was then asked about the financial disparity between Hajduk and Croatian league champions Dinamo Zagreb and responded: "As far as finances are concerned, the difference is a complete abyss. And that hole cannot be closed in the near future. Everything will depend on how we manage on the European stage. Whether we will finally manage to qualify for the main stage of European competitions or not, so that we can be competitive with Dinamo to some extent."
Graf added: "Dinamo has spent more than 45 million euros on transfers in the last five seasons. We spent about four million. That is the difference."
