Mark Zabukovnik, a 24-year-old Slovenian and a key player for Celje, has attracted interest from several clubs including Rio Ave. He has developed into a modern midfielder with depth play, good vision, and increasing goal and assist capabilities, making him an appealing prospect before the transfer window closes. However, Zabukovnik recently sustained a knee ligament injury during a match against Banik Ostrava, which is expected to keep him sidelined for the rest of the year. Despite this setback, clubs like Southampton, Dinamo Zagreb, AEK, and others have shown interest, underscoring his rising profile. Albert Riera, the Celje coach, noted the difficulty of replacing Zabukovnik, highlighting his unique contribution to the team. His contract with the Slovenian club is set to expire on June 30, 2026, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €500k.