La Liga
Franko Kovacevic is on everyone's lips. The Croatian forward from Celje has become one of the standout names at the start of the season in Europe. His goal-scoring impact is undeniable, and as reported from Spain, Villarreal has already set their eyes on him.
The 26-year-old striker is in extraordinary form: 10 goals in 11 Slovenian league matches and five more in the first two rounds of the Conference League. Elite numbers that have put him on the radar of several clubs, including the Castellon-based team, aiming to replicate the success achieved with the phenomenon Etta Eyong.
Franko Kovacevic, the goal scorer dazzling European football
Franko Kovacevic has gone from being a developing promise to a true offensive reference. His power, finishing ability, and spatial awareness have made him the driving force of Celje.
The Croatian not only tops his country's goal-scoring chart but is also shining in Europe. In the Conference League, he has been instrumental in his team's historic start with two victories in the first two matchdays.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Villarreal, always attentive to emerging talent, believes he could be the next great find, a player with a profile similar to Etta Eyong's: young, ambitious, and hungry for success. Sevilla is also in the mix.
The Etta Eyong model inspires Villarreal
The emergence of Etta Eyong has set a trend in Spanish football. Developed at Cádiz and nurtured by Villarreal, the Nigerian forward shone during his time at the Yellow Submarine before moving to Levante, where he is now a sensation in LaLiga.
His story has inspired Villarreal's sporting management, who now aim to replicate the formula with Franko Kovacevic. The Castellon-based club believes the Croatian fits perfectly into their philosophy: young talent, room for growth, and international projection.
Moreover, Kovacevic possesses an uncommon tactical maturity. He moves intelligently, blending physical power with refined technique and demonstrating a remarkable ability to link up play; qualities that could ease his adaptation to Spanish football.

Interest from Sevilla and Competition from Spain
Sevilla is also closely monitoring Franko Kovacevic's development. With a need to strengthen their forward line, the Andalusian club sees the Croatian as a realistic option, especially given his current price, significantly lower than other similarly talented attackers.
From Nervión, they observe his performance in the Conference League, where his impact is proving crucial. However, Villarreal holds the upper hand thanks to their transfer policy and track record of nurturing emerging talents.
Competition could drive up the striker's market value, as his contract with Celje runs until 2028. The Slovenian team is reluctant to part ways with its star player easily, but a compelling offer could change the scenario.
Franko Kovacevic and his imminent leap
In Franko Kovacevic's circle, they are aware that his current performances will not go unnoticed for long. His agent has already acknowledged informal contacts with LaLiga clubs, although he refrains from confirming names.
Villarreal seems ready to make a significant investment, with the intention of bringing in the forward in January or, at the latest, in the summer. Meanwhile, Celje is enjoying their striker's best form in decades, aware that his future points towards a big league.
Whether in Castellón or another Spanish destination, Franko Kovacevic is shaping up to be one of the major moves in the upcoming transfer market. His goal-scoring instinct, discipline, and ambition align with Villarreal's philosophy and evoke the same spirit that led Etta Eyong to triumph in LaLiga. European football has a new standout player, and his story is just beginning.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Villarreal quiere fichar al nuevo Etta Eyong
