What’s Happening with Jovan Mijatović?
Jovan Mijatović, the 20-year-old Serbian striker, is still searching for his breakthrough in professional football. After moving from Red Star Belgrade to New York City FC and a loan spell in Belgium, he is now heading to Germany for a new challenge.
From Red Star to NYCFC
Mijatović was one of Red Star’s brightest young talents, making 26 appearances and scoring 9 goals between 2022 and 2024. The Belgrade club, a regular participant in the Champions League, projected him as a future star, drawing interest from clubs across Europe.
In 2024, he joined NYCFC for a reported €8 million, adding extra pressure to live up to expectations. While he was the focal point of Red Star’s attack, his role in New York was far more limited, constrained by system differences and tactical adjustments.
NYCFC stats (all competitions):
17 appearances
1 goal (Leagues Cup vs. FC Cincinnati)
MLS regular season: 0 goals
Limited minutes and MLS’s tactical demands meant Mijatović struggled to show his full potential, highlighting the gap between youth promise and senior professional performance.
Loan Spell: Oud-Heverlee Leuven
In search of regular playing time, Mijatović spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium.
Stats (2025/26):
13 appearances (7 starts, 6 substitute)
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Shots: 14
Yellow cards: 2
Red cards: 0
While he gained valuable minutes and experience, the season did not produce standout numbers, leaving questions about his readiness to perform consistently at a higher level.
A New Challenge: Eintracht Braunschweig
After Belgium, Mijatović is set for Germany, where he will join Eintracht Braunschweig in the 2. Bundesliga. According to Sky Sport’s Florian Platenberg, the move is a loan with an option to buy:
- Braunschweig will not cover his NYCFC wages
- He is expected to replace Sebastian Polter mid-season
- Medical tests are imminent before joining the squad
The 2. Bundesliga will test Mijatović’s adaptability and tactical awareness in a highly competitive European league. Success here could either earn him a permanent move or a second chance at NYCFC.
Looking Ahead
Mijatović left Red Star as a teenager for a big-money transfer but struggled to make an impact in New York, scoring just one goal in 15 appearances. His NYCFC contract runs until June 30, 2026, making the upcoming months pivotal for his career.
Braunschweig represents a critical opportunity: a chance to regain form, showcase his talent in Europe, and prove he can live up to the promise that once made him one of Serbia’s brightest young forwards.
At 20, Mijatović still has time to develop, but he will need consistent minutes, tactical adaptation, and the right environment to fulfill his potential. Germany might just be the reset he needs.