Saint-Étienne loan Stojkovic after just 22 minutes

Saint-Étienne have loaned Strahinja Stojkovic to OFK Belgrade until the end of the season, giving the young defender an opportunity to regain regular playing time in Serbia. The move comes after the right-back failed to establish himself in the first-team picture at the French club. There is no purchase option in the agreement, leaving Saint-Étienne in control of his future.

Stojkovic joined the club in summer 2025 from Red Star Belgrade in a transfer worth about €2 million. Despite that investment, the 19-year-old has made only one brief Ligue 2 appearance, totaling 22 minutes. He has not played in the league this season under coach Ian Cathro, and his limited involvement meant he no longer had an immediate route into the squad.

The loan is therefore a chance for Stojkovic to rebuild his momentum rather than a permanent separation from Saint-Étienne. His contract with the French club runs until 2029, so he can return once the spell in Belgrade ends. OFK Belgrade should provide the playing time that was missing in France, allowing Saint-Étienne to evaluate his development before determining his next role.

The decision also underlines the uncertainty around a recruitment investment that has so far produced little on the pitch. Saint-Étienne continue to target young players with potential, but Stojkovic never became part of the regular rotation. Another club prospect, Igor Miladinovic, had already improved his situation after returning to Serbia, a path Stojkovic will now try to follow.