Aleksandar Stanković (foto: Getty Images)
Aleksandar Stanković has attracted interest from Atlético Madrid, where he could link up with Jan Oblak, while already sharing strong Slovenian connections in his career.
Aleksandar Stanković, the highly rated 20-year-old midfielder, has emerged as a transfer target for Atlético Madrid, potentially setting up a future link with Jan Oblak in the Spanish capital.
The son of former Serbia international Dejan Stanković, Aleksandar continues to build his reputation in Belgium with Club Brugge, but interest from major European clubs is intensifying. A summer move would not come as a surprise.
Atlético leading the chase
Atlético appear to be at the front of the queue, with head coach Diego Simeone reportedly impressed by the midfielder’s performances.
The Spanish side had the opportunity to observe Stanković closely during their recent Champions League play-off clash against Brugge. Atlético progressed, while the Belgian champions now turn their focus back to the domestic title race.
Stanković began his development at Inter Milan, the club where his father enjoyed the most successful years of his playing career. Brugge secured his signature last year for €10 million, a move that already looks like a calculated investment in long-term potential.
Strong Slovenian ties
Beyond transfer speculation, Stanković’s personal and professional circles include several Slovenian connections.
His uncle is former Slovenia international Milenko Ačimović, while Ačimović’s son Mateo, currently at Olimpija Ljubljana, is his cousin. If he joins Atlético, Stanković would also share a dressing room with Slovenian captain Jan Oblak.
Even at Brugge, he finds himself in Slovenian company. The Belgian club are nurturing 16-year-old talent Tian Nai Koren, who continues to progress steadily within their academy structure.
Meanwhile, Dejan Stanković, now 47, is head coach of Crvena zvezda, where he also places trust in Slovenian international Timi Max Elšnik.
For Aleksandar Stanković, the next step could bring him even closer to Slovenia’s footballing elite — and potentially into one of Europe’s most competitive environments.