Franko Kovačević (foto: Uradni facebook profil kluba)
Celje are ready to sell top scorer Franko Kovačević this month, with interest intensifying from Hungary and a transfer fee now expected to be around €3 million.
The past few weeks have been busy behind the scenes regarding Franko Kovačević and preparations for a potential transfer. While public noise has been limited, concrete developments suggest that a move away from Celje could materialise this month, with Hungary currently emerging as the most realistic destination.
Despite having a valid long-term contract, Celje are prepared to let their leading scorer leave if an appropriate offer arrives. There is an understanding between player and club that a transfer will be sanctioned once the financial expectations are met. According to well-informed sources, no bid matching those demands has yet reached the club.
Price expectations adjusted
Kovačević’s value rose sharply after a prolific autumn under head coach Albert Riera, during which the Croatian forward enjoyed the most productive spell of his career. Initial expectations reportedly mirrored the €5 million transfer of Raul Florucz from Olimpija to Belgian side Union, a figure that has since proven unrealistic.
Celje have now set the bar closer to €3 million, a sum viewed internally as a more attainable reflection of the current market and Kovačević’s status.
Hungary emerges as concrete option
Interest in Kovačević remains strong, and not merely speculative. Among the clubs monitoring the situation, Újpest have emerged as a serious contender. The Budapest-based club, who have underperformed this season and recently parted ways with head coach Damir Krznar, are eager to reinforce their attacking line and are ready to invest significantly.
Should a deal be completed on these terms, Kovačević would become Újpest’s most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Hungarian clubs more broadly have been paying close attention to the Slovenian league, with Celje among those most closely watched.
Spain camp approaching
Celje are scheduled to depart for a training camp in Spain on Sunday, January 11, with Marbella the destination. Whether Kovačević boards the plane will largely depend on how quickly negotiations progress and whether interest turns into a formal offer in the coming days.
Újpest’s successful Celje connection
Újpest already have positive experience recruiting from Celje. Aljoša Matko has enjoyed an outstanding season in Hungary, currently leading the league’s scoring charts with 11 goals. His market value has risen accordingly and is now estimated at €1.5 million by Transfermarkt, with further growth widely expected.
Matko is joined at Újpest by fellow Slovenian Milan Tučić, who has contributed three goals so far this campaign.