A transfer to RSC Anderlecht failed despite an agreement between clubs due to Anderlecht's concerns about Smolcic's knee. He could still leave, with recent rumors linking him with a move to Kocaelispor in Turkey.

Germanijak reports on the failed transfer of the Croatian defender to Anderlecht. The transfer to Anderlecht was nearly completed but failed due to alleged health issues of the Croatian defender. Despite these claims, Smolčić continued training normally with Eintracht Frankfurt.

In the second half of July, Hrvoje Smolcić was expected to join Anderlecht, but his entourage disagreed with a loan move with an option to purchase. Additionally, Anderlecht had concerns about the condition of Smolcić's knee.

Anderlecht had been in talks with 24-year-old Croatian defender Hrvoje Smolcic from Eintracht Frankfurt regarding a transfer, but the agreement collapsed at the last minute. Smolcic, who is contracted with the German club until June 2027, has a market value of approximately €2 million according to Transfermarkt. After the deal fell through, Smolcic became associated with other clubs such as Raków Częstochowa and Widzew Lodz. Consequently, Anderlecht shifted their focus to Yasin Özcan, a 19-year-old defender from Turkey, whom they have now acquired on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to purchase. Özcan's signing is intended to address the defensive gap and appease the fans following the club's Europa League defeat to BK Häcken. Sporting director Olivier Renard conveyed his belief in Özcan's suitability for the team, notwithstanding the failure of the Smolcic deal.