Retour
Coventry City have spread their recruitment net across Europe in recent years looking for up-and-coming talent and hidden gems who could prove to be bargain buys with potential re-sale value in the future.
The search is an on-going process for Sporting Director Dean Austin and his recruitment team who are constantly monitoring foreign leagues for standout performers, ideally in the late teens/early 20s age bracket and with plenty of development potential.
One such player who it is claimed the club have identified, amongst what will be a fairly lengthy list of players on their wider radar, is Red Star Belgrade midfielder Vasilije Kostov.
Ontheminute.com reports that the Sky Blues are following the teenager’s rapid rise in Serbia as they assess potential future additions.
The outlet claims that the club have “been impressed by his composure in possession, sharp movement between the lines and growing senior influence.”
Kostov, an attacking midfielder and Red Star academy graduate, has made an early mark this season with four goals and two assists in his first eight league appearances in the Serbian top flight. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is £20.9m.
Championship Birmingham City are also claimed to be monitoring the 18-year-old forward. His ability to operate in central attacking areas makes him an appealing long-term project but Red Star will not be under pressure to sell, however, after tying Kostov to a contract until 2028.
Last October Kostov made his debut for the Serbia national team at the age of 17 years and five months in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Albania. The same month he was named in the The Guardian’s Next Generation 2025.