Recruited for 3 million euros in Serbia a year ago, Igor Miladinovic had lived an almost white season in the ASSE jersey. Used mainly in reserve, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder had only played three Ligue 1 games and a French Cup in 2024-2025. Deemed too tender by Eirik Horneland, he embodied a promise more than a reality. But on Saturday, on the lawn of Clermont (1-2), his entry into play changed the situation.
A data bet finally paying for ASSE?
Aligned with the break, Miladinovic energized a Stéphanoise team in difficulty. Its activity and technical quality quickly skipped. “” He took advantage of the absences in the middle and brought real energy ”underlines People Green, while Clément Grèzes greeted his “explosive” supports capable of unbalanced the opponent on beIN Sports. A reference match that could mark a turning point.
The timing is perfect: Saint-Etienne has just sold Benjamin Bouchouari in Trabzonspor, leaving a void in the middle. Miladinovic, a small size of 1m70 but with a beautiful vision of play, could be the internal solution. Its profile differs but its potential intrigues, to the point that some already see in it the natural successor of the Moroccan international.
A surprise joker for Horneland
While his departure had never been envisaged this summer, Miladinovic could well become Horneland's surprise weapon in the quest for ascent. Recruited thanks to the data and long in apprenticeship, the Serbian finally seems ready to assume a central role in Ligue 2.. An unexpected Joker who, at 3 million euros, could become a real winning blow for ASSE.
