AC Milan appears to have successfully secured the signing of Matija Popovic on a free transfer, and there is anticipation regarding his likely arrival, as reported. Born in Altötting, Germany, Popovic has opted to play for the Serbian national team, and his standout performance at the recent U17 European Championships caught the attention of Milan scouts.
During the championships, Popovic showcased exceptional ball control, adept changes of direction, and impressive finishing skills. The 17-year-old is a versatile player capable of performing well as a playmaker, winger, or even a centre-forward.
Milan took proactive steps to secure the young talent, making their move well in advance as Popovic had disagreements with Partizan Belgrade, rejecting their contract renewal offer. With Partizan Belgrade’s U17 squad, Popovic scored 20 goals in 24 appearances before being excluded from the team.
The strategic efforts of Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio resulted in a principle of agreement in November, with a subsequent period of reflection due to Popovic’s non-EU status. In the last few days, a decisive acceleration occurred, enabling Milan to outpace competition from Manchester City.
An agreement has been reached for a five-year contract with a significant salary compared to Popovic’s current earnings. Milan now awaits January 8, the day Popovic turns 18, and within 1-2 days thereafter, he is expected to arrive in Milan to formalize and sign the contract.
For those interested in learning more about Popovic, additional information about his background and a video showcasing his highlights are available in a dedicated piece.
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