Mihajlo Cvetković (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Serbia's top teenage striker Mihajlo Cvetković is being targeted by German second-tier club Nürnberg after missing out on a move to Malmö.
Mihajlo Cvetković, widely regarded as Serbia's most talented young striker, could soon be making his long-awaited move abroad — this time to Germany. After a collapsed winter transfer to Malmö, the Čukarički starlet is once again at the center of transfer speculation, and this time, the talks appear far more serious.
According to Bild, 2. Bundesliga side Nürnberg has emerged as the most concrete suitor, and they are reportedly ready to invest €4 million to secure the 18-year-old’s services. Cvetković, who recently turned 18, is almost certain to leave Banovo Brdo this summer.
While Nürnberg currently sits outside the promotion spots in Germany's second division, their ambitions for next season are clear. The club sees Cvetković as a potential game-changer and is willing to replicate a formula that worked wonders just a few months ago.
The ‘Tzimas model’ for Cvetković
Earlier this season, Stefanos Tzimas, a Greek teenager on loan from PAOK, impressed so much that Nürnberg bought him outright for €18 million, only to sell him to Brighton for a whopping €25 million. That rapid profit has motivated Nürnberg to repeat the strategy, and Cvetković is seen as the next potential windfall.
Nürnberg’s sporting director Yotis Chatzialexiou confirmed the club’s interest:
“We’re in talks with many young, talented players. Mihajlo Cvetković is certainly a name we know well. Whether it becomes concrete will depend on the market. Nobody could have predicted Tzimas going to England for €25 million – maybe even less. But we know the market, and that’s why Mihajlo is on our radar.”
Serious competition
However, landing Cvetković won’t be easy. Bundesliga clubs Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Salzburg, and Anderlecht are all monitoring the Serbian forward closely. With deeper pockets and higher league status, these clubs may offer both a more lucrative package and a clearer development path.
Still, Nürnberg is reportedly open to structuring the deal similarly to Tzimas’ – potentially a loan with an option to buy, making the move more financially manageable and appealing to Čukarički.
Cvetković, who has impressed in both domestic youth competitions and the UEFA Youth League, is expected to command significant attention this summer as he seeks the next step in his career.