Slovenian Football Transfer Activity: January to March 2022
The early months of 2022 saw a flurry of activity across the Slovenian football landscape. From strategic loans to permanent transfers, clubs worked to reshape their squads during the winter window to improve their competitive standing. This period was characterized by a mix of domestic movement and international transitions involving players moving between Slovenia and leagues in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.
Key Facts
- Maribor was one of the most active clubs, both sending players away and bringing in new talent.
- Chornomorets Odesa secured two players from Maribor in mid-January.
- Transfer types varied between permanent transfers, loans (temporary moves where a player remains under contract with their original club), and free transfers.
- Movement occurred across several countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, South Korea, and Cyprus.
Detailed Transfer Breakdown
The transfer window opened with significant movement from Maribor. On January 11, Ilija Martinović moved to Chornomorets Odesa via a permanent transfer, followed shortly by Rudi Požeg Vancaš, who joined the same Ukrainian club on loan on January 13.
Simultaneously, other Slovenian clubs were active. Celje strengthened their squad on January 13 by securing Ibrahim Kargbo Jr. on loan from Dynamo Kyiv. A few days later, Žan Karničnik departed Mura for Ludogorets Razgrad for an undisclosed fee, while Blaž Vrhovec left Maribor for Anorthosis Famagusta under similar undisclosed terms.
The latter half of January saw a variety of arrivals. Mario Kvesić joined Olimpija Ljubljana as a free agent after leaving the Pohang Steelers. In domestic moves, Karlo Plantak transitioned from Kustošija to Alumnij. Maribor also bolstered its ranks on January 20 by bringing in Đorđe Ivanović on loan from Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
The activity extended into the spring, with Oleksandr Safronov moving from Desna Chernihiv to NK Nafta 1903 on loan on March 26, 2022.
Transfer Summary Table
| Date | Player | From | To | Fee/Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jan 2022 | Ilija Martinović | Maribor | Chornomorets Odesa | Transfer |
| 13 Jan 2022 | Rudi Požeg Vancaš | Maribor | Chornomorets Odesa | Loan |
| 13 Jan 2022 | Ibrahim Kargbo Jr. | Dynamo Kyiv | Celje | Loan |
| 14 Jan 2022 | Žan Karničnik | Mura | Ludogorets Razgrad | Undisclosed |
| 15 Jan 2022 | Blaž Vrhovec | Maribor | Anorthosis Famagusta | Undisclosed |
| 18 Jan 2022 | Mario Kvesić | Pohang Steelers | Olimpija Ljubljana | Free |
| 18 Jan 2022 | Karlo Plantak | Kustošija | Alumnij | Undisclosed |
| 20 Jan 2022 | Đorđe Ivanović | Shakhtyor Soligorsk | Maribor | Loan |
| 26 Mar 2022 | Oleksandr Safronov | Desna Chernihiv | NK Nafta 1903 | Loan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club was most involved in transfers during this period?
Maribor was highly active, facilitating the departures of Ilija Martinović, Rudi Požeg Vancaš, and Blaž Vrhovec, while bringing in Đorđe Ivanović on loan.
How many players moved to Chornomorets Odesa?
Two players, Ilija Martinović and Rudi Požeg Vancaš, moved to Chornomorets Odesa in January 2022.
Were there any free transfers recorded?
Yes, Mario Kvesić joined Olimpija Ljubljana as a free agent on January 18, 2022.
What was the latest transfer mentioned in this period?
The latest movement was Oleksandr Safronov, who joined NK Nafta 1903 on loan from Desna Chernihiv on March 26, 2022.
Which players moved on loan?
Players who moved on loan included Rudi Požeg Vancaš, Ibrahim Kargbo Jr., Đorđe Ivanović, and Oleksandr Safronov.