Matija Popović Returns to Partizan Belgrade After Napoli Departure

Matija Popović has left Napoli and rejoined Partizan Belgrade on a free transfer. There’s a future sell-on clause in the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Popović, a talented young attacking midfielder, has left Napoli to join Partizan Belgrade. The transfer was free, but Napoli secured a share of any future sale. This ends months of speculation about Popović’s future. Officials in Serbia and Italy confirmed the transfer on August 8, 2025, ending Popović’s brief Serie A spell. Previously, he came up through Partizan’s academy before short stints at Vojvodina, Monza, and Napoli.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Popović is among the brightest Serbian prospects in his age group. The Guardian named him in 2023 as one of the top sixty players born in 2006. He has played for Serbia’s under-19 national team. Known for dribbling and attacking vision, Popović scored in recent European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, but Serbia missed out on the Slovakia tournament. Despite high hopes at Napoli, he didn’t make a first-team appearance. Now, he seeks consistent minutes under head coach Srdjan Blagojević. His squad finished second in the Serbian SuperLiga last season, twenty seven points behind Red Star Belgrade.

WHAT NEXT FOR PARTIZAN AND POPOVIĆ?

Partizan hopes Popović makes an immediate impact as they challenge for the SuperLiga title and pursue European success. Their next opponent is Napredak, 14th in last season’s standings and the first team to not get relegated. Given the team’s need for attacking creativity, Popović is expected to play soon. Meanwhile, Napoli are rebuilding after a title winning Serie A finish and preparing for their first Champions League match in September. Napoli included a sell-on clause, indicating they believe Popović can develop further and attract bigger clubs’ interest in the future. Following their successful previous season, where they finished as Serie A winners, the team is now looking to strengthen and rejuvenate their squad for upcoming challenges.