Serbian striker Milos Lukovic has signed for French top-flight side Strasbourg from IMT Belgrade.
The young striker has currently only represented his country at under 23 level, but he’s been hot property around Europe. His 15 goals in 35 matches helped IMT to promotion to the Serbian SuperLiga, leading to him being named club captain for the current season.
Lukovic will cost Les Bleu et Blanc €4.7m, according to L’Équipe, with a further €500,000 in add-ons. There will also be a sell-on of 10% of any future fee, which could be a significant sum if he reaches his potential.
He spent Friday with his new club undergoing a medical but will return to Belgrade for the rest of the season on loan. His team is currently 11th in the Serbian SuperLiga, and he will be hoping to add to his ten goals from 19 matches to push them further up the division.
Lukovic’s signature is a coup for Strasbourg, with a number of top clubs eager to sign him. Manchester City had been credited with interest, whilst Spartak Moscow, Lille, and Frankfurt tried to hijack the deal. Chelsea have also been watching the player, and his Strasbourg move may be a precursor to a move to England.
Strasbourg are acting as a feeder club to Chelsea and have a remit to sign top under-23 players after Blues’ owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital invested in the club. The two are now brought together under the BlueCo umbrella, meaning Lukovic’s move could be the first step on a journey to the English side.
Site Opinion
Good young players are snatched up in Europe, and Lukovic’s capture isn’t to bolster Strasbourg’s attempts to qualify for Europe this season. It’s perhaps not even a move done with the club’s long-term squad in mind. This is a business decision made by a company looking to add assets to its teams.
Lukovic is a major asset. His goal record is impressive, and to be named captain of IMT at 18 underlines his character as well. Loaning him back to them is a good move; it allows regular first-team football in the top flight.
If he carries his form from Serbia to France, there’s no doubt he’ll only briefly pass through the Stade de la Meinau on his way to much brighter lights.
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