ISL side NorthEast United FC announce signing of Serbian playmaker Nikola Ninković

Nikola Ninković joins the highlanders on a one-year deal

NorthEast United FC have completed the signing of Serbian attacking midfielder Nikola Ninković on a one-year deal.

Ninković born in Bogatić, Serbia, arrives in the Highlands after a journey that has taken him from the youth academy of Partizan Belgrade to the top divisions of Serbia, Italy, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Nikola becomes the fifth foreigner in NorthEast United FC’s squad as they gear up for the 2026-27 season.

A player of high quality

Across 355 senior appearances, the 31-year-old has scored 58 goals and provided 77 assists, representing clubs including Partizan, Genoa, Chievo, Ascoli, Empoli, Brescia, Torpedo Kutaisi and most recently Sumgayit FK.

Along the way, he also represented Serbia at U17, U19 and U21 level while also gaining experience in UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and the UEFA Europa League. At just 17, Ninković signed his first professional contract with Partizan and made his senior debut in a UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie against Shkëndija in July 2011.

It didn’t take long for him to become one of the brightest young players in Serbian football, helping Partizan win the Serbian SuperLiga before making history as the youngest captain the club had ever appointed at just 17 years and 10 months.

By the end of his time in Belgrade, Ninković had established himself as one of Serbian football’s brightest creative talents, making nearly 40 appearances in his final season and scoring in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against HB Tórshavn.

That form earned him a move to Italy. A transfer to Genoa in 2016 opened the door to Serie A, withloan spells and permanent moves taking him through Chievo, Ascoli, Empoli and Brescia.

During his years in Italy, he found the net against AC Milan and Palermo, while helping Empoli secure the 2017 18 Serie B title and promotion back to the top flight.

His journey continued beyond Italy, first to Georgia with Torpedo Kutaisi, where he lifted the 2024 Georgian Super Cup, before joining Azerbaijan Premier League side Sumgayit FK.

Few players arriving in the Indian Super League possess a résumé quite like Ninković’s. From captaining one of Serbia’s biggest clubs as a teenager to competing in European competitions and spending years in Italian football, he brings experience earned at every level of the game.

First reactions to Nikola’s arrival

As NorthEast United FC prepare for the 2026-27 season, the Serbian playmaker arrives with proven quality, vision, composure and creativity to add another dimension to the Highlanders’ attack.

Nikola Ninković shared his excitement on joining NorthEast United FC.

“I’m excited to be here and to begin this new chapter with NorthEast United FC. Throughout my career, whether it was in Serbia, Italy or European competitions, I’ve always enjoyed taking responsibility, creating chances, scoring goals and helping my teammates play better. That’s what I want to bring to this club. I can’t wait to wear this shirt, step onto the pitch and fight for this team.”

Juan Pedro Benali also shared his views on Nikola Ninković’s signing.

“Nikola is the kind of player who understands identifying space, he understands tempo, and he has the quality to make the right decision. You don’t spend that much time playing in Serie A and European competitions without developing that kind of intelligence. He brings experience and creativity to our squad, but just as importantly, he has the mentality to help the players around him improve. We’re very happy to welcome him to NorthEast United.”

Mandar Tamhane on the signing of Nikola Ninković: “Nikola’s career speaks for itself. He has captained one of Serbia’s biggest clubs at a young age, competed in Serie A, played in UEFA competitions and consistently performed across different leagues and footballing cultures. Players with that kind of pedigree adds quality on the pitch and helps raise standards across the dressing room. As a club, we’re ambitious about where we want to go, and bringing someone of Nikola’s calibre to NorthEast United is another strong statement of that ambition.”

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