Real Madrid are considering loaning out Serbian striker Luka Jovic in an attempt to re-build his career in Spain. The forward’s first season in La Liga was not a memorable one, netting just twice in 806 minutes of football.
A few injuries, coupled with Karim Benzema’s incredible form, meant that Jovic was often left on the fringes at Los Blancos. The club believe it will be best for everyone if Jovic heads out on loan, but remain adamant that he is part of their long-term plans.
It was evident from an early age that Jovic was a talented individual. At the age of seven, Serbian rivals Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade battled it out for his signature. The forward enjoyed nine years with Red Star’s academy, before becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to make a first-team appearance at 16 years and 5 months old.
Jovic went on to spend another season and a half with Red Star before Portuguese giants Benfica signed him. But after only two appearances for Benfica, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a two-season loan. He made five appearances in the 2017/18 campaign for the German side, but it was the next season when he really started to impress.
Jovic swiftly became part of a front three that took the Bundesliga and Europe by storm. The trio also included Sebastien Haller and Ante Rebic who both were rewarded with moves to West Ham United and AC Milan respectively. Jovic himself managed to score 27 goals in 46 appearances for Frankfurt, which included ten goals in the club’s impressive Europa League journey. His exceptional performances during the 2018/19 campaign earned Jovic a €65 million move to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have picked up a bit of a reputation for being quite a brutal club – a view that probably stems from their fans’ expectations of the club. The most obvious example would be Gareth Bale and how his relationship with the club has almost entirely fallen apart.
However, Jovic finds himself in a position where he is still highly-regarded amongst Real Madrid’s highest order. Those in power at the club, including Zinedine Zidane, have not given up on Jovic yet and believe a loan deal will bring him back a more complete and experienced player.
It remains clear that Jovic’s loan has to benefit all parties involved. For both the Serbian and Real Madrid, game-time is very much of the essence. The 22-year-old has already started looking at potential moves and studying offers, but nothing has been determined.
Both AC Milan and Hertha Berlin have openly expressed an interest in Jovic. A whole host of other Bundesliga clubs are also weighing-up a potential move for Jovic. These clubs are trying to win him over with the comfort of familiar surroundings.