Jovan Mijatovic is the newest name trending in the American soccer community. The 2005-born Serbian forward was always a popular figure in the Red Star Belgrade youth ranks, where he was seen as the next big thing for the club despite the career-challenging knee injury he suffered in 2021.
Mijatovic seems to have overcome those injury challenges to make himself ready for the challenges that lie ahead in a new league, which could prove to be the steppingstone for him to make a name for himself in the sport in one of the most well-organized football groups in the world.
NYCFC sign Jovan Mijatovic from Red Star Belgrade
City Football Group, through their American MLS franchise New York City FC, have made a significant signing of a certain young Serbian, who is highly regarded in his homeland as the next big thing in the country.
The club secured the signing of the 18-year-old from Red Star Belgrade in a deal worth over $10 million, which signals the club’s intent to challenge on all fronts for trophies this season.
The deal to bring Jovan Mijatovic to the MLS was an exciting one for all parties. Despite paying a huge transfer fee of over $10 million, Red Star Belgrade managed to slip in a 15% sell-on clause into the deal, which means the Serbian club could pocket as much money from his future sale, depending on the forward’s future status and value.
With the MLS regular season for 2024 kickstarting in just a few days (Feb. 21), the signing of Jovan Mijatovic is seen as a great one for New York City FC, who look ready to compete with the best of the bunch and make it to the playoffs at the end of the season.
“It’s incredible to be a part of New York City FC,” the 18-year-old said. “I am glad to be fulfilling one of my professional dreams at the club. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans, score as many goals as possible, and give them something to cheer for. Get ready, New York,” Jovan Mijatovic said.
Manchester City has sights on Jovan Mijatovic
While it’s certain Jovan Mijatovic is one for the future, it’s been rumored that Manchester City will keep close tabs on him as he plays for one of the club’s affiliate teams. “He’ll be at Manchester City in 3-4 years, no doubt,” one fan eagerly said on Twitter after Fabrizio Romano broke the news of his move to the MLS.
Prior to the 18-year-old’s arrival in New York, Man City had been mooted to sign him and loan him to New York City FC for the rest of the 2024 season. However, things are not as different as they may seem, as we’ve seen the MLS side send out players to the English club in the past few years, most notably Frank Lampard.
Lampard infamously joined City on loan from New York City FC in 2014 and scored against his old club, Chelsea, in September 2014. Jack Harrison is another former New York City FC player to have joined City, and the American international has now played for several Premier League sides, including Leeds United and Everton, where he currently stars.
