Slovenian international nearing return to Maribor

Slovenian international defender Petar Stojanović is reportedly on the verge of a significant transfer back to his former club, Maribor, potentially ending his decade-long tenure playing abroad. The move, if finalized, would mark a notable return for the experienced player to the Slovenian First Telemach League.

Maribor's coach, Darko Milanič, has alluded to the possibility of Stojanović's return. While acknowledging that the player is not yet with the team, Milanič expressed that the club is actively interested and that Stojanović himself is keen on rejoining Ljudski vrt, the club he left in January 2016 for Dinamo Zagreb. This potential transfer has also attracted interest from fellow Slovenian club Celje.

Milanič noted that the integration of a player with Stojanović's specific characteristics might require tactical adjustments within the team. He cited the example of Žan Karničnik, whose arrival at Maribor influenced the team's playing style in his position. "When new players with certain characteristics arrive, you want to highlight what they are best at. Sometimes you have to change something for that, for which you first need the right decision, and then time to train it," Milanič explained.

Currently, Stojanović is under contract with Legia Warsaw, but his playing time has been limited due to a tendon injury sustained in March. His potential return to Maribor could provide a significant boost to the team, though his fitness and adaptation to the squad's dynamics will be key factors.