Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union has announced the acquisition of midfielder Jovan Lukic from FK Spartak Subotica. The Serbian player, aged 23, joins the team on a permanent transfer until 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. Lukic will be added to the Union's active roster once he receives his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa, occupying an international roster spot.

"Jovan is a dynamic midfielder and ball-winner who fits well into our style of play," stated Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director of Philadelphia Union. "His experience in European leagues has shown not only his versatility but also his ability to adapt to different styles of play, and we are confident that his skill set will strengthen our midfield."

Lukic could become the second Serbian to appear in a match for Philadelphia Union following forward Veljko Paunovic, who played in 18 matches during the 2011 season. In September 2023, Lukic signed a four-year contract with FK Spartak Subotica in Serbia's top league. He scored two goals in 39 total appearances over two seasons (2023-24) and was tied for third place on the team with two goals during the 2023-24 campaign.

In January 2023, Lukic signed a long-term contract with LASK of Austria's Bundesliga before being loaned to SC Uniao Torreense in Portugal's second division. He appeared in 17 matches with Torreense over two seasons (2022-24), including two matches in the Allianz Cup 2023.

Lukic began his career with FK Cukaricki in Serbia's Superliga over four seasons (2019-23), including time with Cukaricki's U19 team (2019-21). He tallied three goals and three assists in 71 total appearances with FK Cukaricki and three goals and one assist in 26 total matches with Cukaricki U19. During the 2021-22 season, he set a personal record by appearing T-4th most times at FK Cukaricki with 34 appearances. He was one of four players to feature in all 19 matches for Cukaricki U19 during the 2019-20 season and ranked T-4th on the team for goals (2). On September 22nd, 2019, he scored both goals against Vojvodina U19.

Lukic represented Serbia at various youth national levels from U18 to U21 between 2019 and 2021, featuring in nine UEFA European Under-21 Championship matches in 2020 and eight international friendlies overall.

Transaction: Philadelphia Union acquires midfielder Jovan Lukic on a permanent transfer until 2026 with club options for extensions through to the year-end of both years thereafter - February fifth onwards!