Leander Dendoncker seeks Coupe breakthrough after split move

Leander Dendoncker’s season has swung from a barren spell at Real Oviedo in Spain’s Liga, where he lost his place and the club finished bottom, to a fresh chance for European Coupe action with Hajduk Split in Croatia, where the former Anderlecht and Diable Rouge midfielder hopes to earn minutes and a first start in 2026.

Physical recovery and coach outlook

At the start of September the former Diable Rouge re‑signed for Hajduk Split, but first needed to rebuild his fitness. The club’s announcement, labelled 4390, confirmed his registration. Coach Gonzalo Garcia said, “We expected him to have some difficulties, but he’s now trained for a full week. He needs time, and we’ll see how he feels. He has a strong mentality and wants to play and help, but we need to see how he feels.”

During his initial month in Croatia Dendoncker could not feature due to a lack of rhythm, but the coach’s patience paid off. He made his debut shortly afterwards and has featured in the last four matches, gaining valuable minutes even though a starting berth has not yet materialised.

Team form and European prospects

Hajduk Split currently sit atop the Croatian championship and have recorded a perfect six‑win run in the Conference League, a European Coupe competition, notably defeating Ajax. Dendoncker’s involvement in this successful spell places him in a side that is both domestically dominant and making a strong impression on the continental stage.