Jovan Mijatović might have played his last NYCFC game as he heads out on loan | OneFootball

After a lackluster and disappointing season with New York City FC, rumors and reports began to come out that Jovan Mijatović would be staying in Europe and would head out on loan. Such an idea was not surprising since the forward was not successful in Major League Soccer after many thought he would be a European star down the road.

Instead, things were not working out. Therefore, fans were waiting for the news that Mijatović was heading elsewhere. Sure, NYCFC has a new head coach, and things could have been different. Still, the Serbian was struggling where a coaching change might not have made a difference. A change in scenery would be the correct route at this time.

Jovan Mijatović is leaving NYCFC on loan

So, NYCFC made the right decision to send the player out on loan. On Friday, the club announced that Mijatović was loaned to Oud-Heverlee (OH) Leuven in Belgium. The team is in the Belgian Pro League and sits in 12th place out of 16th. The loan deal will last until the end of June and will hopefully allow him to find himself on the pitch again.

His talent is still there, and David Lee, the sporting director of NYCFC, knows this. "We know Jovan is a super talented player with vast European experience, we are all disappointed with his lack of playing time but know the level he is capable of reaching," he said to newyorkcityfc.com. "At this moment we believe that allowing Jovan to be exposed to play a key part in a competitive environment in Belgium’s top division will help further his development. We look forward to following Jovan in Belgium the rest of the season and wish him all the best."

Since the loan will only last until June, Mijatović could technically rejoin NYCFC in the summer. But after his unsuccessful experience, would he want to do so? More than likely, the Serbian will have a goal of performing extremely well so he can move to another team in a top league over the summer, whether by sale or loan.

In complete honesty, it looks like Mijatović played his final match for NYCFC. Of course, a return is not out of the realm of possibility. However, it would not be shocking for him to leave for another team during the summer transfer window.

Sadly, the forward will be one of the "What if" players from NYCFC. Would things have been different without all of the external issues, like his problems with his visa? Would Mijatović have shined if the Pigeons had a different coach leading the team? Nobody knows, but his failures in the Bronx and Queens will hopefully turn around in Belgium.