Hoffenheim confirm Tabakovic departure

By admin — In News — July 11, 2026

   ​I have joined RB Salzburg on a permanent deal after spending the 2024 season with Hoffenheim and a productive spell on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The recent period in German football has been formative, culminating in a move that aligns with my long-term ambitions and the club’s strategic goals.
In 2024, I signed with Hoffenheim, a club with a strong tradition of developing talent and competing at the highest level. The decision to move to Hoffenheim was driven by the opportunity to challenge myself in a demanding league and to contribute to a club known for its professional culture and tactical sophistication. My time with Hoffenheim provided a valuable platform to showcase my abilities, adapt to a high-performance environment, and grow both as a player and as a person.
During the 2024-2025 season, I spent a memorable year on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The loan spell was marked by significant personal and team milestones, with 13 goals in 32 appearances underscoring my consistent goal-scoring form and ability to influence matches from the forward position. The performance on the pitch reflected the trust placed in me by the coaching staff, the support of teammates, and the constructive environment created by the club. It was clear that the coaching philosophies and the team’s attacking framework provided the ideal setting for me to maximize my impact in front of goal.
The success of the loan spell extended beyond numerical achievements. It demonstrated my adaptability, willingness to embrace new tactical systems, and readiness to contribute to the team in both finishing and build-up phases. The experience reinforced my conviction that I could deliver meaningful contributions in top-tier leagues, even when transitioning between clubs and leagues with varying styles of play. The chance to compete at a high level, learn from different coaching approaches, and collaborate with talented teammates further refined my game and prepared me for the next chapter of my career.
Following the end of the loan, a constructive and transparent dialogue took place with Hoffenheim’s leadership and between all parties involved. The discussions highlighted a mutual appreciation for my time at the club and acknowledged the desire of Hoffenheim to pursue an economically compelling transfer package that would support their broader objectives. After careful consideration and a shared understanding of the market dynamics, we reached a decision that would allow me to explore a new challenge while recognizing Hoffenheim’s strategic interests. With gratitude for the experiences and the relationships built at TSG, I accepted the transfer and expressed my sincere well-wishes toward the club and its supporters.
Throughout my time with Hoffenheim, I accumulated 29 appearances and contributed four goals in league play. While the statistics offer a snapshot of a single season, they represent a broader narrative of growth, learning, and the pursuit of consistency at the highest level of European football. The professional experiences across Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach shaped my approach to the game and reinforced the importance of staying mentally focused, physically prepared, and tactically adaptable in order to meet the demands of diverse competitions.
Now, with the permanent move to RB Salzburg, I am eager to bring my experience, work ethic, and goal-scoring instincts to a club renowned for its development pathway, competitive mindset, and commitment to attacking football. RB Salzburg has established itself as a prominent force in European football, known for cultivating homegrown talent and integrating players into a cohesive, high-intensity playing style. I look forward to contributing to the team’s ambitions, helping to secure silverware, and continuing to evolve under a coaching setup that prioritizes excellence, discipline, and progressive football.
The decision to join RB Salzburg on a permanent basis reflects a combination of sporting and personal factors. On the sporting side, Salzburg’s forward-thinking approach, emphasis on high pressing, rapid transitions, and clinical finishing aligns with my strengths and ambitions as a centre-forward. The club’s track record of competing in European competitions and developing players to reach their full potential provides an ideal environment to sustain growth and deliver impactful performances over multiple seasons. On a personal level, the club’s values, culture, and location present an attractive setting for thriving both on and off the pitch. The support system, training facilities, and professional atmosphere resonate with my professional standards and long-term career goals.
As I turn the page to this new chapter with RB Salzburg, my focus remains clear: to contribute consistently at the highest level, to help the team achieve its objectives, and to continue improving as a forward who can influence games through intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and strong link-up play with teammates. I am excited to work with the coaching staff, integrate with the squad, and engage with the passionate supporters who drive the club’s momentum.
In what lies ahead, I am committed to dedicating myself fully to the team’s cause, maintaining a rigorous training mindset, and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with playing for a club of Salzburg’s stature. I am grateful for the experiences I gained in Germany, for the camaraderie shared with teammates and staff, and for the lessons learned along the way. This next phase represents a chance to apply that knowledge in a fresh, ambitious context and to contribute to a club known for its excellence and ambition in both domestic and European competitions.
To the fans and the broader football community, I extend my appreciation for the support I have received throughout my journey so far. Your encouragement has always been a driving force behind my performances, and I look forward to delivering memorable moments for RB Salzburg’s supporters as we pursue success together.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

Image Credit: Getty Images

All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.