Hartberg loses its 27‑year‑old striker Patrik Mijic – NK Maribor has named the Croatian forward as the new coach Darko Milanić's top target, according to the Slovenian outlet "Planet Nogomet". Mijic is under contract with the Styrian club until 2027, but a move could materialise this summer.

Why does Maribor want Mijic?

Mijic spent the previous half‑season on loan at Kifisia in Greece, where he failed to score in ten league appearances. Despite that dry spell, he knows the Austrian league well and has already contributed 29 goals for Hartberg this season, while the team has conceded 24. Maribor, back in the Slovenian top flight since 2020, is hunting an experienced scorer to boost its attack. Coach Milanić, a former Sturm player himself, is familiar with Mijic from past encounters and sees him as the perfect fit.

How would his departure affect Hartberg?

Hartberg currently sits 6th in the Bundesliga with 33 points, recording 8 wins, 9 draws and 5 losses from 22 games. Losing Mijic would blunt the club's offensive firepower, as he is among the top scorers. The side is only five points behind league leaders Sturm Graz in the title race. Without the striker, Hartberg risks slipping in the midfield and jeopardising its push for European spots.

What is the club’s stance?

TSV Hartberg has not issued an official comment yet. Insider reports suggest a sale will only happen if a satisfactory return is offered. The club may look to promote youth academy prospects or scout a domestic replacement. Negotiations are said to run until the end of July.

What does this mean for Mijic?

A move to Maribor would reunite the Croatian with a coach he knows from his Sturm Graz days. Milanić, who played for Sturm between 1993 and 2000 and later coached the club twice, could deploy Mijic to revitalize the Slovenian side’s attack. A potential deal would tie Mijic to Maribor until 2029, giving him a chance to find the net regularly again.

Hartberg now faces the urgent task of filling the gap, or it may fall behind in the race for European qualification.