Manchester City are set to sign winger Filip Stevanovic from Partizan Belgrade. According to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, the Premier League title challengers will sign the 18-year-old in January for £6 million. A deal between the two clubs has yet to be agreed; however, it is expected that the sought after Serbia Under-21 international will make the move to the Etihad Stadium in the new year.
Manchester City Chasing Serbia Under-21 International Forward Filip Stevanovic
Who is Filip Stevanovic?
Highly-rated winger Filip Stevanovic is predominantly a left-winger. He can also play on the right or in a central attacking midfield role. The 18-year-old has at present scored 12 goals in 53 appearances for Partizan.
He scored his first goal came in the Champions League, which in turn made him the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in Europe.
Partizan will be desperate to keep their hot prospect as long as possible; however, with City and other top European clubs circling, their chances are slim.
Manager Andrea Stanojevic is not confident in keeping his prize asset at the club for much longer. He said: “I would like Stevanovic to stay until the age of 23, but it will be difficult for him to welcome the next birthday at Partizan as things currently stand.”
Stevanovic made his debut for Partizan during the 2018-19 season, making four appearances. The following season saw the youngster become a regular fixture in the first-team.
A call-up to the Serbia Under-19 squad was expected and he made his debut 2020 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification. He has since moved up to the Under-21 squad, making two appearances so far.
Staying at Partizan or a Loan the Most Likely Options
Should City win the race for the Serbian hot-prospect, it is unlikely that he will feature for the club this season. A loan move back to Partizan for the remainder of the current season is possible. As is a loan to another club.
At this stage of his career, Stevanovic would be better off continuing to gain first-team experience. Returning with extra experience would aid his push for a place in Pep Guardiola’s match-day squads.
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