- 15 Nov 2024
Who is Nikola Milenkovic? The Fiorentina defender wanted by Man Utd and Man City
Emmet Gates
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 6 min read
Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic has earned plaudits since arriving from Fiorentina in 2017 from Partizan Belgrade.
The Serbian has been a consistent presence at the back under a myriad of different coaches, and has emerged as one of the best defenders in Serie A.
His form has seen Milenkovic linked with a move to England.
What position does Nikola Milenkovic play in?
Milenkovic plays primarily as a centre back. He is rather versatile, and is equally adept at playing as part of a defensive three, or in a four-man unit.
Furthermore, Milenkovic can also be be utilised at right-back when the situation calls for it, but he is more comfortable in central defence.
How good is Nikola Milenkovic?
In an era where Fiorentina have fluctuated from good to outright terrible depending on the season, Milenkovic has been the model of consistency throughout the period.
The Serbian was integrated slowly into the Fiorentina starting XI in his debut season, but nailed down a regular starting position halfway through the 2017/18 season, and hasn’t looked back.
Milenkovic has good positional sense, and whilst he isn’t lightening quick, is able to cover ground at a quick pace.
Furthermore, he is also good for scoring a few goals per season, so far this term he has netted three times, and is a threat from corners due to his impressive 6ft 4inch frame.
Who wants to sign Nikola Milenkovic?
Milenkovic’s form has put him on the radar of clubs in England, with both Manchester United and City contemplating bidding for the defender.
Milenkovic is entering into the last year of his contract, with it due to expire in June 2022, and it remains highly improbable that, due to Fiorentina’s stagnation in Serie A, that he will want to remain at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Fiorentina may want to move him on this summer as opposed to let him leave for free in a years’ time.
La Nazione in Florence suggests that both Manchester sides are readying bids of around €35m for Milenkovic.
However, United may push harder than City, due to Pep Guardiola’s men not necessarily prioritising a centre back at the present time.
It also remains to be seen if United will truly want to meet Fiorentina’s demands for the player, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When does Nikola Milenkovic’s contract expire?
Milenkovic’s contract expires in June 2022, which is from the original deal he signed in the summer of 2017.
What is Nikola Milenkovic’s Instagram?
Milenkovic’s Instagram account has around 74,000 followers, as of March 2021.
Who is Nikola Milenkovic’s girlfriend?
Milenkovic’s girlfriend is Anja Popovic.
Read more about: Serie A, Nikola Milenković
