Persib Bandung has signed Montenegrin striker Balsa Sekulic on a two-year contract to bolster their frontline for the 2026/2027 season. The 28-year-old forward joins the club from FK Mornar Bar to replace departing striker Andrew Jung, bringing international experience from Montenegro, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
Why did Persib Bandung recruit Balsa Sekulic?
The decision to sign Sekulic follows the departure of French striker Andrew Jung, who has moved to another club. Persib management sought a replacement with specific tactical qualities to maintain competitiveness in both domestic leagues and Asian competitions.
According to Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, the recruitment was a direct result of evaluations and recommendations from the coaching staff led by Igor Tolić. The club prioritized finding a player who possesses the necessary character and experience to meet the team’s current requirements.
“We are building the squad based on the team’s needs and the recommendations of the coaching staff,” Adhitia Putra Herawan stated. He added that the club believes Sekulic has the capacity to provide a positive contribution to the team’s overall performance, particularly in the attacking third.
What is Balsa Sekulic’s professional playing history?
Sekulic arrives in Bandung with a proven scoring record in the Montenegrin top flight. During his tenure with FK Mornar Bar, he recorded 22 goals in 48 appearances. This productivity served as a primary factor in Persib’s decision to secure his services.
His career includes significant experience across various Asian football markets, which may assist his adaptation to the Indonesian league. His previous clubs include:
- Gangwon FC (South Korea): Played during the 2022–2023 period.
- Metalurg Bekabad (Uzbekistan): Competed in 2024.
- FK Mornar Bar (Montenegro): Most recent club prior to joining Persib.
Balsa Sekulic has represented Montenegro at both the youth and senior levels. He played for the Montenegro U-21 national team from 2017 to 2020 and earned a call-up to the senior national team in 2022.
How does Sekulic fit into Persib’s history with Montenegrin players?
The signing continues a long-standing trend of Persib Bandung utilizing talent from the Balkan region. Sekulic is not the first player from Montenegro to wear the Maung Bandung colors.
The club has previously featured several Montenegrin players, including:
- Miljan Radovic
- Zdravko Dragicevic
- Vladimir Vujovic
- Ilija Spasojevic
Management expects Sekulic to integrate quickly into the squad and adapt to the atmosphere provided by the Bobotoh supporters in Bandung.
Performance Comparison: Securing the Frontline
The club’s move to sign Sekulic represents a strategic shift in the attacking department. While Andrew Jung provided a different profile, the club has opted for Sekulic’s specific statistical output. His 22 goals in 48 matches for Mornar Bar provide a concrete metric of the goal-scoring instinct the coaching staff requested for the upcoming 2026/2027 campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Balsa Sekulic’s contract with Persib?
Sekulic has signed a two-season contract that will keep him with Persib Bandung until 2028.
Which player did Sekulic replace?
He was recruited to fill the vacancy left by French striker Andrew Jung.
Has Sekulic played in Asia before?
Yes, he played for Gangwon FC in South Korea (2022–2023) and Metalurg Bekabad in Uzbekistan (2024).
What are your thoughts on this new signing? Do you think Sekulic can fill the void left by Andrew Jung? Let us know in the comments below!
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