Despite English club Coventry City not confirming the deal, New Zealand international Marko Stamenić is “completely prepared” for the move, according to his current coach.
Red Star Belgrade coach Nenad Milijaš told zurnal.rs that Stamenić, 22, will join the English Championship club after two weeks of media speculation.
“Stamenić is a quality player who demonstrated his abilities during his time at the Maracana. I hope he does well in Coventry,” Milijaš was quoted as saying.
Serbian media reports suggest that Stamenić will sign a four-year deal with Coventry, with a transfer fee of NZ$8.8 million paid to FC Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) and a 10% sell-on clause.
Coventry City has yet to make any public comments, although speculation increased following social media posts of Stamenić visiting London in early June.
“Marko isn’t from our climate, but I believe he will adapt quickly,” Milijaš said.
“He speaks English as his mother tongue, which makes him totally prepared.
“Marko is excellently prepared, even for a challenging league like the Championship,” he added.
“He will handle the physical demands, and the club will support him so he can perform well for Coventry from the first game.”
Milijaš described the 21-cap All White Stamenić as a classic ‘box-to-box’ midfielder.
Born in Wellington, Stamenić played youth football for Western Suburbs before moving abroad in 2020 for his first professional contract with Danish Superliga club Copenhagen.
He joined Crvena Zvezda on a free transfer last year, playing 35 games in their recently completed season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, contributing to their league-cup double victory.
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