Who is Miodrag Pivas? Newcastle's new Serbian wonderkid compared to Vidic and Ivanovic

Suraj Radia

• 20 Jul 2024 22:00 BST
• 4 min read

The name Miodrag Pivas may be unfamiliar to even the most devout watchers of European football, but Newcastle have plucked the teenager from the depths of Serbia in the hopes of securing an unknown diamond in the rough.

The teenager has joined Newcastle from Serbian second division side Jedinstvo Ub, having only made his senior debut less than a year ago.

With a relatively small profile, Pivas represents an intriguing capture based on Newcastle’s scouting and the versatile Serbian has could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

FootballTransfers tells you everything you need to know about the latest wonderkid to move to the Premier League.

What position does Miodrag Pivas play?

Pivas initially began his career as a defensive midfielder, however he quickly was moved into centre-back after breaking into the Jedinstvo first team – a position he has ended up thriving in and making his own.

How good is Miodrag Pivas?

Pivas joined Jedinstvo in the summer of 2022 from third tier Austrian side Grodig, and he initially played for his new club’s youth team upon his signing.

The 19-year-old featured as a midfielder and impressed enough to figure in the first team squad before making his senior debut in October 2023.

But it was only when Pivas moved to defence that he shined, making his first start in the position in November against RFK Novi Sad and helping keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

Pivas never looked back after then, figuring in 25 of Jedinstvo’s remaining 26 games and helping the team go from 8th place to securing promotion to Serbia’s top flight.

In particular, Pivas attracted praise for his passing range and physicality, which perhaps attracted Newcastle to him as they search for a long-term successor to ball-playing defender Fabian Schar.

The Premier League side sealed a deal for Pivas in July 2024 for a fee thought to be around €800,000 and the teenager is expected to be loaned out upon his arrival.

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Despite only playing for Serbia’s under-17 team, Pivas attracted high praise from one of the countries biggest Premier League exports in Nemanja Matic, who compared the youngster to Serbian legends Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic.

Matic said: “A huge talent and serious potential. If he continues this way, he's on the path to the national team.

“In my opinion, we haven't seen a player with such predispositions since Nemanja Vidić and Bane Ivanović. A complete player and a top professional.”

Marko Rajovic, the assistant coach at Jedinstvo, also spoke highly of Pivas, saying: "It's truly refreshing to see such a young player approach his duties so seriously and professionally.

“He's always eager and gives his all to meet the demands expected of him on the field. There's still a lot of room for improvement, and I have no doubt he'll reach his full potential."

What clubs are interested in Miodrag Pivas?

Newcastle are thought to be ready to loan Pivas out this summer in a similar plan to winger Yankuba Minteh, who was signed last year and immediately sent to Feyenoord.

However, no loans or interested teams have been noted as of yet, with Newcastle likely to assess Pivas before deciding which level of football he should be playing at.

How old is Miodrag Pivas?

Pivas was born on 17 May 2005, making him 19 years old.

When does Miodrag Pivas’ contract expire?

The terms of Pivas’ contract at Newcastle has not been formally revealed as of yet, however he is thought to have penned a deal until 2027.

What is Miodrag Pivas’ Instagram?

Pivas has 5.3k followers on Instagram as of July 2024.