Slavko Damjanovic signs for Bengaluru FC

Slavko Damjanovic will be wearing #23 for the Blues.

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signing of Montenegrin centre-back Slavko Damjanovic on a one-year deal that runs through to the end of the 2023-24 season. Damjanovic, who most recently turned out for ATK Mohun Bagan, was part of the side that won the Indian Super League title, and was previously part of Chennaiyin FC in 2021.

“I'm really excited to be a part of the Bengaluru FC family. The club has had two great seasons, but have been unlucky not to win the Indian Super League title. I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates, the coaching staff and supporters. The aim is to give the fans the Indian Super League title, and I hope to be part of a squad that has a successful season,” said Damjanovic, after putting pen to paper on his deal.

Born in Niksic, Montenegro, part of the erstwhile Yugoslavia, Damjanovic turned out for Montenegrin clubs Čelik Nikšić, Mogren, Sutjeska Nikšić and Mornar, before moving to Serbia and playing with Spartak Subotica and Bačka 1901. Damjanovic went on to have stints in South Africa, Hungary and Uzbekistan before signing for Chennaiyin FC in 2021.

“Slavko is a well-experienced ISL defender who really impressed when he played for ATK Mohun Bagan against us last year. He’ll bring a fantastic attitude, winning mentality, strength and balance to our defensive unit. Overall, I’m really pleased to sign him because we’re bringing in a bit of experience that we’ll need after losing Sandesh (Jhingan), and I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Blues’ Head Coach Simon Grayson.

Damjanovic, who stands at 6'2”, has 29 ISL appearances to his name across two seasons, and scored his only ISL goal in February 2023, when he opened the scoring in the Kolkata derby as ATK Mohun Bagan won 2-0 against East Bengal.

“Slavko is a well traveled and experienced defender who brings with him the mentality of being a winner. Being a left-footed center-back, he brings with him a balance that will add to our defensive unit, and we're certain that he will fit right into our system. On behalf of Bengaluru FC, I'm wishing him the best for his time at the club,” said Blues' Director of Football, Darren Caldeira.

Slavko is the first of the Blues’ foreign signings ahead of the new season, with the club having already announced the arrivals of winger Halicharan Narzary and goalkeeper Vikram Singh.