Odds of a Jovetic return are lengthening

Everyone loves Stevan Jovetic. That’s not up for debate. The former Fiorentina star has, though, had a famously difficult time since leaving the purple city. His big money move to Manchester City was a flop, as an early injury pushed him so far down the pecking order that he never recovered. His move to Inter Milan, which was supposed to restore him to a league he’d dominated, has fallen flat as well. So when word leaked out last month (from Gianluca di Marzio, no less) that JoJo was very likely set for a return to Florence, we were all ecstatic.

That’s no longer the case, though. While new Inter boss Stefano Pioli has clearly deemed the Montenegro captain surplus to requirements, the striker’s wage bill still sets him in rarefied air. Specifically, it’s way too much for a club like Fiorentina to foot. Instead, it seems his destination will be Germany, Turkey, Russia, or China.

Fenerbahce is seen as the frontrunner for his signature, and he’d probably thrive in the Super Lig; after all, look what a stint there did for Mario Gomez, although his current form in Germany should give Schalke 04—who are also considering JoJo—a pause. Spartak Moscow are also weighing a bid for him, and Beijing Guo’an lurk on the periphery with a massive checkbook and the offer of easy goals.

The book is out on Jovetic by now. Unfussy, efficient, and direct, his close control and shooting are his best aspects, although his ability to pick a pass and his all-round striking game are also quite good. His confidence by now, though, must as fragile as his ankles and hamstrings. Perhaps a move to a league where he’ll be the unquestioned starter and star of the team will jump-start his stalled career. And then, in all his pomp and glory (and hopefully with that magnificent mane), he can return to Florence.