Paderborn close to bringing back former Bayern striker
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
According to several media, Paderborn is preparing to pay nearly €3 million to secure the services of Gabriel Vidovic, 22, currently at Dinamo Zagreb. A major signing for the club promoted to the Bundesliga.
According to Sports.
Context
Gabriel Vidovic, 22, has proven himself in Bundesliga football with notable performances at Dinamo Zagreb, where he scored seven goals and provided five assists. A former Bayern Munich player, he left the Bavarian club after several loans, looking to establish his professional career. His move to Paderborn could offer him a new opportunity to shine in the elite of German football.
Why it matters
The arrival of Gabriel Vidovic at Paderborn could mark a turning point for the club promoted to the Bundesliga. As potentially the most expensive signing in SC Paderborn's history, his transfer demonstrates the club's ambition to strengthen following his rise. With an impressive performance at Dinamo Zagreb, Vidovic could bring a new dynamic to Paderborn's attack.
Key points
- Paderborn close to bringing back former Bayern striker.
- According to several media, Paderborn is preparing to pay nearly €3 million to secure the services of Gabriel Vidovic, 22, currently at Dinamo Zagreb.
- Paderborn set to bring former Bayern Munich attacker Gabriel Vidovic (22) back to the Bundesliga - Yahoo Sports.
SC Paderborn is about to strike a big blow on the transfer market in Germany: the club promoted to the Bundesliga would be on the verge of offering striker Gabriel Vidovic, 22, currently under contract at Dinamo Zagreb. The information, reported by Croatian media Sportske Novosti, was then picked up by Sky Germany via transfermarkt.de.
The amount mentioned for the operation is around 3 million euros, a significant sum for the club from northern Germany. If the transaction goes through, Vidovic would become the most expensive signing in SC Paderborn's history, a significant investment for a team that has just returned to the elite and is looking to strengthen itself in a targeted manner.
Born in Augsburg, Vidovic is a Croatia youth international who left Bayern Munich permanently the previous summer, having undergone three successive loan spells since his time at the Bavarian club's academy. His transfer to Dinamo Zagreb was announced for an amount of around €1.2 million. Since his arrival in Croatia, the striker has been productive: he has seven goals and five assists for the Zagreb club, figures which explain the renewed interest from German clubs and his market value estimated at nearly €3 million (he had even reached €3.5 million during a previous loan to Zagreb).
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Before this rapprochement with Paderborn, several German clubs were interested in the player's profile. In June 2025, Get German Football News notably mentioned approaches from Heidenheim, who were exploring the possibility of a loan or a permanent transfer. Three days later, however, these tracks seemed to fade in favor of a clearer direction towards Dinamo Zagreb.
For Paderborn, the operation responds to a double logic: recruiting a technically comfortable player, capable of bringing offensive dynamism, and asserting ambitions after moving up to the Bundesliga. For Vidovic, a return to Germany would above all constitute an opportunity to establish himself sustainably in the Bundesliga and obtain regular playing time in the elite.
No official announcement has yet been made by the clubs concerned when the media relayed the information. If the contractual and medical formalities are finalized, the Croatian striker will join the row of young talents who have passed through the Bayern center and who are trying to confirm at the highest level.
The rest
If Vidovic's signing goes through, he will join a squad looking to establish themselves in the Bundesliga. The club will also have to work on integrating the striker into their playing system, while hoping that he reproduces his offensive efficiency. Paderborn could also consider other reinforcements to support Vidovic and maximize his performances.
Frequently asked questions
What's going on with Gabriel Vidovic?
Gabriel Vidovic is set to join SC Paderborn in the Bundesliga, after being under contract with Dinamo Zagreb.
Who confirmed Paderborn's interest in Vidovic?
The information was reported by Croatian media Sportske Novosti and taken up by Sky Germany.
Why is Paderborn interested in Vidovic now?
Paderborn is looking to strengthen in a targeted manner after promotion to the Bundesliga, and Vidovic showed good performances at Dinamo Zagreb.
What changes could this bring to Paderborn?
If the deal goes through, Vidovic would become the most expensive signing in the club's history, which could strengthen their attack.
What is the amount mentioned for the transfer of Vidovic?
The transfer amount is estimated at around 3 million euros.