A figure of around R30-million being bandied about for one of Kaizer Chiefs’ star players, has been disputed by our resident secret agent.
A figure of around R30-million being bandied about for one of Kaizer Chiefs’ star players, has been disputed by our resident secret agent.
Samir Nurkovic was understood to be hot property around this time last year with interest from Abha FC in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait City.
Indications are that Al Ahly were also keen, but did not put in a formal offer.
The Siya crew reported at the time that Chiefs, then coached by Gavin Hunt, were open to the idea of the transfer only if a rumoured figure of R30-milliion was paid up!
Amakhosi would have then been able to get a replacement, with Bradley Grobler being eyed as the likely target at the time.
However, the club’s failed appeal to have their FIFA ban overturned meant that their best assets would not be allowed to leave.
“I’m not sure that Nurkovic, in the current climate, could attract a transfer figure of R30-million. After his first good season, obviously there may have be an opportunity for him to be sold with rumours of North Africa and the Middle East at the time surfacing, but that never materialised,” sad the secret agent.
Chiefs may have still had the Serbian under contract, but his head was turned upon learning of the interest and Hunt omitted him from the team sheet.
All was resolved when Amakhosi offered him an improved deal, although the length of the contract remained the same – an expiry date of June 2022.
“I believe for the player and for Chiefs, him being offered a new deal would be a win-win, for both parties. For the player, he is 30-years old, seems happy and settled in SA, knows he is stable at Chiefs and his money is safe,” said the agent, arguing that Chiefs should act quickly to tie him down to a new deal.
“The fans love him, so he’s in a good place. For the club, they have a settled fan favourite, proven goalscorer, good professional, still only 30 and has some years to offer Chiefs goals.
“Unless by chance he was offered big money in the Middle East, also giving the club a decent transfer fee, then it makes sense all round for him to stay and sign a new deal.
“He is a player that has had a lot of clubs in his career, but has flourished at Chiefs the most and found a club that suits his style of play and a league where he can score goals.”
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