Reports indicated that Gabriel Rukavina was close to leaving this winter, with a loan and a sale both being announced as certain. Rukavina stated that he did not want to leave Rijeka for the sole purpose of leaving. His playing time has been limited.

According to Sportske Novosti, a loan for Rukavina was considered, but the market did not allow it.

The sports director of Rijeka, Darko Raić Sudar, said at a press conference that discussions are underway regarding the termination of the contract with 21-year-old Croatian winger Gabriel Rukavina. Rukavina joined Rijeka in July 2024 and has made 5 appearances in the SuperSport HNL this season. He has recently been linked with Vukovar.