The Philadelphia Union had shuffled the first deal in the transfer market as Jovan Lukić was acquired from the Serbian top-tier outfit FK Spartak Subotica. He inked a contract through 2026 with an option to extend until 2028 for a 23-year-old midfielder who has so far built a career in European soccer.
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Union needed reinforcements after the departures of Jack McGlynn and José Martínez, and now they have a different midfield. The real challenge will be trying to slot Lukić in as quickly as possible inside Bradley Carnell's system while the team tries to stay competitive in an increasingly difficult MLS.
But who is Jovan Lukić?
Lukić is not the most remembered name, but his résumé speaks volumes. He has played for FK Cukaricki (Serbia), SCU Torreense (Portugal), and LASK (Austria), and most recently represented Serbia's U-21 national team in March 2023. His path to this level has been one of a player who has adapted well to different styles of play, something fundamental for success in MLS.
He has made 127 professional appearances, logging 5 goals and 3 assists across those. The high points of his game are ball recovery, reading of the game and tactical versatility.
What can he bring to Philadelphia Union?
Union sporting director Ernst Tanner did address how well the Serb would fit in. But what does that translate to on the pitch?
"Jovan is a dynamic, ball-winning midfielder who fits well with our style of play," Tanner said.
His experience in European leagues has not only shown how versatile he can be but also how adaptable to different styles of play, and we feel very confident that his skill set will strengthen our midfield.
Lukić joins a Philadelphia midfield replacing key pieces in Jack McGlynn, who was traded to Houston Dynamo FC, and José Martínez, who transferred to Corinthians. He'll be part of a group that features Venezuelan international Jesús Bueno and Haitian international Danley Jean Jacques.
A new midfield, a new identity?
The renovation that Union did in midfield does not stay there. Along with Lukić, the team will depend on Jesús Bueno and Danley Jean Jacques to structure the center of the field. The challenge will be finding a new balance, especially since Carnell is still implanting his playing philosophy.
Is it a risk? Of course. But maybe it's just the perfect opportunity for Union to reboot and surprise in the 2025 MLS season.
The first big test is already set: February 22, against Orlando City SC. That's going to be the first look at just how different this new midfield is on the pitch.