"Kalajdzic triumphantly announces his return, bolstered by self-assured physical state"
Sasa Kalajdzic, the 28-year-old Austrian striker, is on the verge of a loan move to Italian club US Cremonese, with an option for Cremonese to buy him permanently for around €4 million (£3.5 million). The news comes after a challenging stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Kalajdzic's career has been marred by injuries and limited appearances [1][2][3][5].
Kalajdzic's journey in the German Bundesliga began in 2019 when he moved from Admira to VfB Stuttgart. During his time in Germany, he scored an impressive 22 goals and 12 assists [6]. However, his time at Wolves has been less fruitful, with only 14 appearances to his name.
The loan to Cremonese could offer a fresh start for Kalajdzic, providing him with more playing time and a chance to revitalize his career [1][3]. Cremonese sees this as an opportunity to bolster their attack, given Kalajdzic's proven goal-scoring ability in the Bundesliga.
Kalajdzic's World Cup Ambitions
While specific details about Kalajdzic's chances for participation in the 2026 World Cup are not available, several factors will play a crucial role. These include his form and fitness level, the regularity of playing time he can secure at Cremonese or elsewhere, and his performance with the Austrian national team.
Given his injury history and current loan situation, regaining consistent playing time would be key for Kalajdzic to be seriously considered for Austria’s World Cup squad in 2026.
Recovery and Support
Kalajdzic's career has been marked by significant setbacks, including two cruciate ligament tears and numerous other injuries. Despite these challenges, the striker remains optimistic about his future. He has credited his family, particularly his wife Lorena who runs a restaurant in Wolverhampton, and his one-and-a-half-year-old son Aleksandar, for providing the necessary support during difficult phases [7].
In September 2022 and early last year, Kalajdzic had to undergo surgery again due to tears in the lateral and cruciate ligaments in his left knee. However, he is now fully focused on his recovery and is eager to get back on the pitch [4].
A Look Back and Ahead
The 19-time OFB national team striker has spent over two and a half years recovering from three knee injuries. Despite the setbacks, Kalajdzic has no worries about another serious injury. His goal is to return to the OFB team and participate in the 2026 World Cup.
As Kalajdzic prepares to join US Cremonese, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if he can rekindle the form that made him a top talent in the Bundesliga. With his family by his side and a new opportunity ahead, Kalajdzic is ready to face the challenges and make a comeback in his career.
[1] BBC Sport (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic: Wolves striker to join US Cremonese on loan. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65025696
[2] Goal (2023). Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic set for Cremonese loan move. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/wolves-striker-sasa-kalajdzic-set-for-cremonese-loan-move/blt3d3794a92e98660c
[3] Sky Sports (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic: Wolves striker set to join Cremonese on loan. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11309/12389708/sasa-kalajdzic-wolves-striker-set-to-join-cremonese-on-loan
[4] Sky Sports (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic: Wolves striker says he's 'ready to go' after knee injury. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11309/12389708/sasa-kalajdzic-wolves-striker-says-hes-ready-to-go-after-knee-injury
[5] The Athletic (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic to join US Cremonese on loan. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2558554/2023/01/18/sasa-kalajdzic-to-join-us-cremonese-on-loan/
[6] Transfermarkt (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic. [online] Available at: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sasa-kalajdzic/profil/spieler/370087
[7] Sky Sports (2023). Sasa Kalajdzic: Wolves striker's wife Lorena and son Aleksandar provide 'necessary support'. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11309/12389708/sasa-kalajdzic-wolves-striker-says-hes-ready-to-go-after-knee-injury
Other sports aside from football might provide Kalajdzic a different platform to display his skills, given his struggles with injuries and limited appearances in European leagues such as Laliga. The striker could potentially aim for a spot in the Austrian national team for the 2026 World Cup, but regaining consistent playing time is crucial for that ambition.
