Niko Janković close to Rijeka exit as Rubin Kazan make movex

One of Rijeka’s standout figures during their recent title-winning era appears to be heading for the exit. Niko Janković, once a key component of the team that lifted the domestic double, is now very close to leaving Rijeka.

The midfielder has not featured in the last three matches, largely due to a strained relationship with head coach Víctor Sánchez. At the same time, speculation around a move to Russia has grown louder.

Rubin Kazan enter the race

According to Germanijak, Rubin Kazan have submitted an official bid worth €1.5 million, while Rijeka are holding out for roughly double that amount. Negotiations are ongoing, and there is precedent between the two clubs: Rubin signed Veldin Hodža from Rijeka in the summer of 2024 for €3 million. Hodža has since made 18 appearances in the Russian Premier League.

From key man to the fringes

Janković joined Rijeka three years ago and immediately became an important figure under Sergej Jakirović, playing a major role in the club’s push for European qualification. He later remained influential under Željko Sopić and Radomir Đalović during seasons in which Rijeka consistently challenged for domestic honours.

In total, Janković has recorded 129 appearances, 25 goals and 17 assists for the club. However, his momentum faded in the second half of last autumn.

Turning point under Sánchez

An uncompleted summer move to Fenerbahçe appears to have left its mark, and the arrival of Sánchez proved decisive. Janković became one of the biggest casualties of the coaching change.

A red card in the Conference League further complicated matters, after which he was mostly relegated to the second team and used sparingly in lower-intensity league matches, while remaining on the sidelines in Europe.

With talks ongoing and relations strained, a winter departure now looks increasingly likely — and Rijeka could soon be preparing to cash in on one of the defining players of their recent success.