Serbian forward Jovan Mijatović transferred to Oud-Heverlee Leuven, a Belgian Pro League club, until June 2025. Although it is the usual, mundane transfer news, this move begets several questions about NYCFC's planning regarding the player, his future, and what general strategy will take place with the club during this season.
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NYCFC justified it with a practical argument: giving more minutes to a promising young talent who didn't get the expected opportunities in the 2024 MLS season. But is this loan truly a positive step for Mijatović, or is it a sign that the club has already lost patience?
Was Mijatović given a proper chance in New York?
The Serbian forward joined NYCFC in February of 2024 from Red Star Belgrade under the U22 Initiative, a roster mechanism that allowed teams to secure young international signings while keeping their roster spending trim.
On paper, it made a lot of sense: acquire a talented Serbia striker-a nation known for rearing top class talent-and phase him into a squad. However, it simply did not happen that way at all.
Mijatović scored just once in 17 matches. Not a big number for an attacking player, but did he get enough playing time to show what he is capable of? Was there a real chance for him to adjust to MLS, a league known for its physicality and high intensity?
Which brings up a very important point: not every young player will shine right from the beginning. Some need time, trust, and a system that fits their strengths. NYCFC seems unwilling to wait for that natural process.
Solution or beginning of the end?
Sporting director David Lee explained such a decision by underlining that regular minutes in Belgium would be important for Mijatović's development. That makes sense, after all: the Belgian Pro League has been a stepping stone to better things for many a young talent.
But when a player is loaned out so quickly after arriving, it generally suggests that the club is already considering other options going forward. NYCFC could always recall Mijatović if he goes on to excel at OH Leuven. If he fails to impress, though, the most likely scenario is a permanent transfer.
Adding to the ambiguity, Mijatović isn't the only NYCFC player being sent out on loan this winter. James Sands went on loan to St. Pauli in Bundesliga 2 as well, strengthening the notion that the club is tweaking its roster without a tangible vision for long-term success.
Does NYCFC's attack have enough depth?
With Mijatović temporarily out of the picture, Alonso Martínez and Mounsef Bakrar are now leading the NYCFC attack.
Martínez, with 18 goals, was the team's top scorer in 2024, while Bakrar has shown flashes of promise but is still proving himself at this level.
That leaves NYCFC with a thin attacking unit-a precarious position, especially with injuries and suspensions likely to mix things up easily. Does the team have enough depth to handle a long season?
Did NYCFC give up on him too quickly?
Biggest question to be made from this move: Did NYCFC ever believe in Mijatović's potential, or was he signed without having a viable long-term project in place? He came in as a development project, yet less than a year later, he's already being loaned out without a real opportunity to prove himself. Was it a move too quick, or simply an admission of poor judgment regarding the signing?