Rene Hrvatin has signed a contract with Istra 1961 until the summer of 2030. According to Saša Bjelanović, Istra 1961 had been following the player for a long time and had attempted to sign him during the summer, but NK Domžale was not willing to sell at that time. Bjelanović stated that they took the opportunity to sign Rene Hrvatin for free when it became available. Hrvatin expressed his satisfaction with joining Istra 1961 and confirmed that the transfer had been an option since the summer.

Istra 1961 announced the signing of Rene Hrvatin from Domžale. The 19-year-old Slovenian right-back came through the youth system at Koper before moving to Domžale in the summer of 2024. He made 16 appearances and scored two goals in the domestic league this season. Sports director Saša Bjelanović stated that Hrvatin has accumulated significant minutes for the senior team in the 1st Slovenian league despite his young age. Bjelanović described him as a modern right-back with strong attacking characteristics and great potential, and added that his arrival continues the club's strategy of signing young, developmental players. Hrvatin has represented Slovenia at all youth levels and recently debuted for the U21 team. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at €150k.