After an impressive 2012/13 season with Sivasspor of the Turkish Super Lig, that saw the club advance to the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup, 2013/14 has been a difficult one for Canadian keeper Milan Borjan. After a handful of games to start the season, new manager Roberto Carlos saw fit to relegate Borjan to the back up role and allow Korcan Celikay to take hold of the starting position.
With many Canadian supporters watching players competing in Europe closely, it was to the distress of many to hear he not only wasn't getting regular minutes, but also see his contract was terminated the first week of February. However, there is now a massive development in Borjan's story, and potential future, as it has come to light that he was, and might still be, linked with Napoli of Italy's Serie A.
The details are beginning to come to light, and quotes from Borjan emerging. Serbian news site B92.net offers what looks to be the details of why Borjan might be looking to move in June instead of for the remainder of the 2013/14 season.
Borjan noted the deal was done to the satisfaction of Napoli, however the termination date of his contract with Sivasspor had to be amended to January 31 from February 3 in order for him to sign on, per league rules. Sivasspor agreed, however, the Turkish Football Association would not permit it. As a result the deal did not go through and Borjan will now hope the opportunity is still available come June.
Gianluca Vitale of ultimecalcionapoli.it also spoke with Borjan where he indicates his agent is now working on seeing him sign on for June. Borjan has also indicated his strong desire to play in Italy, and Napoli would without question be a huge step in his development.
After appearing in the red and white of Canada back in early 2011 for their friendly with Greece, it was then that he caught the eye of Sivasspor of the Turkish Super Lig. The league was a huge step up from his previous club FK Rad of the Serbian Super League. His early time at Sivasspor was erratic with some outstanding performances and some that demonstrated he still had a way to go in his development. It was a loan to Romanian side FC Vaslui in early 2012 that saw him help his team to a Champions League position and regain confidence.
See also: Repaying the faith - Borjan's tumultuous first year in Turkey
His return to Sivasspor was met with mixed feelings as Vaslui had turned out to be a good training environment under Augusto Inacio, who had confidence in him and offered good coaching in both tactics and goalkeeping. The 2012/13 season saw him hold down the starting position with Sivasspor and while league results and form were mixed, Borjan was instrumental in their impressive run in the Turkish Cup that saw them one game away from the finals.
The termination of his contract from Sivasspor, while not ideal to have a Canadian player without a club, could be seen as a blessing in disguise.
There were certainly questions as to how far his development would go as a keeper in Turkey and with Sivasspor, and a move to Italy, and specifically Napoli, should be seen as a huge step in improvement in this regards, should a move happen in the coming months.
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