Move hammer?
Hear the Buzz! Could FC Carl Zeiss Jena Make a Surprise Return? Here's the smoke signal - according to "Bild", the club might be considering the signing of Zak Paulo Piplica.
fell short of promotion with Lok Leipzig and his future with the Saxony club is up in the air. Piplica, having spent around five years with Carl Zeiss Jena as a youth player, knows the club like the back of his hand. But here's the catch – FCC sporting director Miroslav Jovic has made it clear that Piplica's transfer isn't on the cards.
Piplica's Bitter Goodbye to Lok Leipzig?
Remember when Piplica came from RB Leipzig and fought his way up through Carl Zeiss Jena's ranks? Then, in 2020, Piplica joined Lok Leipzig. Almost securing a promotion this year, their loss in the controversial promotion playoffs against TSV Havelse might be his last moment in the Lok jersey. Piplica's contract with Lok Leipzig expires towards the end of June, hence rumors of a possible return to Carl Zeiss Jena have started circulating.
Jovic's Firm Stance
But Jovic puts it plainly - no deal with Piplica. As per the "Ostthüringer Zeitung", "He might be an interesting player, but we can't sign players for the sake of filling up slots," Jovic explained. The FCC already has a solid lineup of midfielders, such as Justin Schau, Moritz Fritz, and Hamza Muqaj. With better positions to address, it's clear where the focus lies.
Introducing the latest FCC gossip:
Jovic is primarily hunting for a striker, and a goalkeeper too. "Once we've built a strong foundation with those signings, we'll assess the need for other positions," states the Carl Zeiss Jena sporting director.
Check out the "Ostthüringer Zeitung" for more details about their strategy in the goalkeeping position and their search for a new player.
Extra Info:
With the recruitment of Rieke Tietz, a 23-year-old offensive player from an Austrian Bundesliga team, and Manassé Eshele, a 26-year-old striker, FC Carl Zeiss Jena is actively working on strengthening their team for the upcoming season[1]. Although specific details about their search for a goalkeeper or a striker beyond these signings are not available, the club appears to be pursuing a strategic approach to address potential gaps in their lineup, focusing on both strengthening their squad and maintaining a player budget similar to the previous year[1].
Despite Piplica's potential return to his former club, Carl Zeiss Jena's sporting director Miroslav Jovic remains firm and has declared that Piplica's transfer is not currently on the table. The European leagues, including Serie A, may be considering potential new recruits, but Jovic is primarily focusing on the acquisition of a striker and a goalkeeper for the upcoming season, with the aim of supplementing their existing squad without exceeding their player budget.
