Why signing Lazar Markovic is a good ploy by Fulham

Lazar Markovic signed for Fulham from Liverpool on a free transfer late in the January transfer window. The Serb has been given a six-month contract and if he does impress, a longer deal will be on the table from the London club. The Cottagers should believe that the winger will come good for them, despite his ill-timed stay at Anfield.

Markovic signed for Partizan Belgrade as a 12-year-old back in 2006. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2011, two months after making his debut as a second-half substitute against Sloboda Uzice. The Serb signed for Benfica in 2013 and on debut, scored a 92nd-minute equaliser in a game that Benfica went on to win 2-1.

They eventually went on to win the league that season. After a year with the Portuguese club, Markovic moved to the Premier League, signing a long-term deal with Liverpool.

He was signed by Brendan Rodgers for £20million. Amidst high expectations, the Serbian couldn’t nail down a place for the Reds. With just two goals in 19 appearances for the Merseyside club, Markovic was sent out on loan to Fenerbahce the following season. He was loaned again to Sporting Lisbon, Hull City and Anderlecht but couldn’t impress.

The 24-year-old has the ability to take on the defenders and dribble his way into the box. He does lack the final-ball quality but could get better under the watchful guidance of Claudio Ranieri. The Serbian international can play anywhere across the front three and brings in decent cover for Andre Schurrle and Ryan Babel.

Still only 24, Markovic is yet to reach his peak and will work under the right manager. He has the potential to improve his game tremendously. The Serbian isn’t shy of experience though, with over 150 senior appearances for club and country.

Fulham are fighting for survival in the top- flight and are two points away from safety. With just 25 goals scored in their 24 games, Ranieri’s men lack firepower up front. With 16 of the 25 goals coming from either of Mitrovic or  Schurrle, the Cottagers’ fans will be hoping that Markovic can help the team up front.

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With Aboubakar Kamara moving out on loan to Turkish Super league club Yeni Malatyaspor, there is a void to fill in the front-line for the Londoners. Markovic with his versatility can play a big part in their bid to stay in the Premier League.