Slovan resembles a job applicant with a strong CV

While battles are still being fought on the pitch, behind the scenes at Tehelne pole stadium, the club management is diligently working on preparing the squad for the next season. The most successful Slovak club faces a very hectic May and June, as the Champions League campaign will most likely begin already in early July.

“The last transfer windows — last summer and this year’s winter — didn’t bring major movements within the squad. I view that positively. Slovan didn’t squander the money it earned, made the right additions to the team before the Champions League, and kept the squad together afterward. They acted with prudence and caution. But now, according to voices within the club, a major squad overhaul awaits. Although they’re not champions just yet, negotiations are already in full swing. We can’t forget that the first qualifying round of the Champions League is already scheduled for early summer,” said football agent Jozef Tokoš. (...)

“The upcoming transfer window will be one of the most crucial in the club’s modern history. We know exactly where we stand. It’s clear the team needs a more radical refresh, and we need players who are hungry for success. We must bring in core, promising, and experienced players. We're not talking about 1 or 2 signings, but rather 6 to 8. It won’t be easy — it will be a test for all of us. A lot also depends on how we sort out the current squad in the coming weeks,” said CEO Ivan Kmotrík Jr. on Instagram.

The club director and head coach don’t always see eye to eye. (...) “Changes are coming. We have to rejuvenate the squad — new blood is needed. ‘Kuco’ (Juraj Kucka) is probably finishing, Vlado (Weiss Jr.) is likely to retire, Kasia — we’ll see, we’re in talks with him. It’s not easy to replace such players — not only in terms of quality but also their presence in the locker room. Without their experience and heart for the club, we wouldn’t have achieved the Champions League. Of course, the quality of players like Tigran Barseghyan and others adds value, but if you don’t have two or three extended arms of the coach in the locker room, it’s tough,” said head coach Vladimír Weiss Sr., 60. His words alarmed Slovan fans. Kucka recently ended his international career due to health reasons. (...)

According to Tokoš, both the squad and the club management gained valuable experience from the Champions League. He believes this is evident in how the club communicates outward. “I see it very positively. Slovan has become more open. They definitely gained valuable know-how from elite teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich. They’ve been trying to regularly host fan zones and finally opened a nice fan shop. However, it’s a bit unusual that these updates often come from the private profile of Ivan Kmotrík Jr. rather than the official Slovan channels,” Tokoš noted. (…)

The most talked-about topic, however, was the potential departure of David Strelec.

The Slovak national team striker had attracted interest from Scotland’s Celtic Glasgow and English Championship side FC Middlesbrough. In the end, the transfer didn’t happen — and Ivan Kmotrík Jr. shed some light on the situation. “Strelec didn’t leave in the winter because we weren’t prepared for it. The offers were very good, but the really interesting one came at the last moment. We didn’t have a suitable incoming transfer lined up — it would’ve been patchwork. We took the risk that the offer for David might be slightly lower in the summer, that can happen. Maybe the club will earn a bit less, but it will be better prepared and bring in an adequate replacement,” explained Kmotrík.

Tokoš, who has extensive experience with key player transfers, weighed in.

“It’s not easy to find a solution where all three parties are satisfied. Slovan’s desire to have a backup plan in case Strelec left is a standard approach. Slovan took a risk that they might not sell him later for the same amount. But on the other hand — what if they end up selling him for an even better price in the summer? Or what if Strelec stays and Slovan delivers another great European autumn?” he asked rhetorically.

Slovan has qualified for the group stage of a European competition four seasons in a row. After three straight appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League — reaching the knockout round playoffs in the last two — they made their debut in the Champions League group stage this season. “All these achievements increase Slovan’s credibility and standing on the transfer market. They can showcase it like a strong résumé when negotiating or pursuing new players. The Slovak league might lack quality and prestige, but the Champions League featured the 36 best teams in Europe — and Slovan was among them,” Tokoš added. (…)

“Some positions are doubled or even tripled. Slovan definitely needs to sign a left-back. In the Champions League, Zuberu played there — and he’s a converted winger. If Kasia really leaves, they’ll be left with only three center-backs, so they must bring in at least one. In addition to a younger center-back, a skillful winger in his prime would be ideal, because that position is also currently filled mostly by players in their thirties,” added Tokoš.

An interesting source of talented players could also be the upcoming U21 European Championship hosted in Slovakia. From June 11 to 28, eight Slovak cities will showcase some of the continent’s brightest young prospects.

“Scouts and player agents will definitely be there. Slovak clubs will have them served up on a silver platter. Slovan has the strongest negotiating position in the country and the most motivating factors to attract players — the prospect of European football in autumn, quality infrastructure, solid salary conditions, and a real chance to win the league title. I’m not saying they can lure the top player from one of the favorites at the U21 Euros, but for talented youngsters from smaller nations, Slovan is certainly an attractive destination,” Tokoš concluded.