Fearsome aerial prowess and No9 attributes to strike fear into Championship defences: Portsmouth target Marko Milovanović
Portsmouth are aiming to land Serbian powerhouse striker Marko Milovanović to significantly bolster their front line. We’ve looked into what supporters can look forward to, if the Blues see a deal for the UD Almeria man to fruition.
Aerial threat and a modern all-round No9
The first thing which is apparent about Milovanović is his size. Standing at 6ft 4in, the man known as ‘Marezi’ clearly has the physicality to adapt to the Championship - as well as the nous to make the most of those assets.
His hold-up play is impressive, along with his strength to often hold off multiple defenders and bring team-mates into play.
Milovanović offers a reasonable turn of pace for a player of his size, allowing him to get side on to defenders, play back to team-mates and then spin in behind his opponent.
He also is decent running at defences, while, as a natural right-footer, showcasing an ability to finish with both feet.
Numbers under inspection
Milovanović was a prolific scorer coming through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade.
He bagged 26 goals and three assists from 35 games at under-19 to make the senior breakthrough as a teenager, going on to grab three goals and an assist from 28 appearances.
That brought him to the attention of UD Almeria where he made the leap to La Liga level three years ago, getting two goals from 12 outings.
There was a single goal and an assist in the Segunda division in the 2024-25 campaign, before a loan move to Portugal top flight side Alverca ensued last term - returning 10 goals from 32 outings in all competitions.
Big expectations on young shoulders
Milovanović commanded a €3.5m fee when moving to Almeria at the age of just 18.
He was lauded as a ‘quality promising player who is fast and enjoys fancy footwork’ when moving to the south-east of Spain.
With his club developing the likes of Darwin Nuñez in a similar fashion, there was high hopes of Marezi following a similar route.
In fact, that has been one of the talking points of the summer at his club, after his impressive efforts at Alverca last term.
The debate was would Los Rojiblancos persevere with Brazilian front man, Thalys, who was signed for €6m last summer but struggled for goals last season - or turn to the player who showed better form.
Pompey could be ready to make that conversation redundant.
The transfer picture
Milovanović is believed to have two years to run on his existing deal to run at the UD Almeria Stadium, with his club expected to recoup their €3.5m investment on the player.
The €6m fee reported by some Spanish outlets with a 25 per cent sell-on clause is believed to be excessive.
The mooted figure suggested by Pompey is in that region, with Almeria believed to be holding out for a number which represent a significant incursion into the £2-5m category John Mousinho has spoken about the Blues moving into, if they are to progress in the Championship.
A sell-on clause will also need to be factored into the equation. Partizan Belgrade inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause into the agreement which took the striker to Spain.