The midfielder joins CLFC weeks after making his international debut against the United States
Charlotte, NC (Thursday, February 16, 2023)- Crown Legacy FC today announced the Club has signed midfielder Nikola Petković from Serbian top-flight club FK Čukarički.
The midfielder will occupy a Crown Legacy FC international roster slot on the Club’s 2023 roster.
Petković, 19, most recently debuted for the Serbian National team in a 2-1 victory over the United States National Team on January 25 in Los Angeles, CA. The defensive midfielder played 81 minutes during his first cap for Serbia.
“Nikola is a great example of how we are approaching MLS NEXT Pro strategically through alignment with the first team and long-term roster planning. The addition of Crown Legacy FC allows our Club to target and sign a vast array of young, international talent that was not necessarily possible in years prior,” said Technical Director Bobby Belair. “Nikola is an elite talent who has debuted on the international stage who is known for his defensive prowess in the midfield but is equally adept as a distributor. We are grateful Club ownership trusts in our long-term strategy to invest in young talent, both abroad and domestically, as we strive to develop into a top organization in North America.”
Petković is a product FK Čukarički youth set up and has been a constant fixture in the Serbian club’s midfield since joining the First Team with 18 appearances across all competitions. The 19-year-old made his European debut featuring in a Europa Conference League match in 2022.
“We’re delighted to sign Nikola, a player who is excited to join our organization and trusts the carefully crafted developmental plan we have laid out for him as he settles into a new club and culture here in the United States,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “Nikola is a player we’ve been tracking for some time and has put in top performances in his domestic league. Recently, he caught the attention of a lot of big clubs after his breakthrough into the Serbian national team, and getting his signing over the line expeditiously is a testament to the backing we have from ownership to make deals like this possible. We’re extremely proud of the work being done throughout our sporting department from the Academy, through Crown Legacy FC and up to the first team, as we continue to lay the foundations of our organization for the present, but also a sustainable model for the future.”
The midfielder was a mainstay in the Serbian youth international ranks prior to making his senior team debut. Petković earned 31 appearances across all youth national team age groups, including three matches in UEFA Under-19 Euro 2022 where he captained the U-19 Serbian team.
Transaction: Crown Legacy FC signs midfielder Nikola Petković from FK Čukarički
Name: Nikola Petković
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11
Date of Birth: February 23, 2003
Age: 19
Hometown: Zrenjanin, Serbia
Last Club: FK Čukarički
How Acquired: Acquired via permanent transfer from FK Čukarički
