While Rebic found a happy home in Milan, Haller endured misery in London with West Ham United before a prolific spell back in Holland, with Ajax, seen him signed by Borussia Dortmund this week.
Ask anyone who the most natural finisher was, though, and it was Jović without doubt. While Haller and Rebic brought other assets, they were not the natural goal scorers that Jović was. Jović was a pure finisher, an animal in the box who could find a half yard where there should be none. His goal scoring exploits were enough to see Real Madrid swoop for the player. Like many who go to Los Blancos, though, Jović was eaten up by the pressure and the demands.
A subsequent loan back to Frankfurt did not really work out as hoped, scoring a mere 4 goals in 18 appearances. That contrasts dreadfully with his 36 in 75 the first time around – enough to convince Madrid to make the move. However, a paltry 3 goals in 51 games for Madrid meant his time in the Spanish capital was over.
The player, who has only scored double figures once in his career so far, looked set to make a move to Italy. He will join Fiorentina, where he can use the incredible form of compatriot Dusan Vlahovic as his reference point. Vlahovic took off in Florence – can Jović do the same?
Last chances at the dances for Jović at the top level?
Despite being only 24, Jović feels like he might be at his last chance with a major club. His form with Red Star Belgrade at the beginning of his career had many people interested. His form with Benfica was non-existent, and it was not until his loan in Germany that Jović really took off and excited people. Since that fateful 2018-19 season, though, the Serbian has been back to looking a shadow of his former self.
The instinctive movement and two-footed finishing is gone, replaced by indecision and panicked, rushed finishes. The strength on the ball has been replaced by meek uncertainty. Everything that made Jović shine in Frankfurt has been removed from his game – can Fiorentina find a way to revive the player?
There is something about Jović that excites, but it is hard to see where that player has gone at the moment. Luckily for him, Fiorentina is the go-to place for people looking to revive their careers. If he can find even a flash of his form from 2018-19 again, this could be a move that benefits every single person involved.
One more wrong move, though, and Jović could find himself out of luck and out of opportunity at the highest level.
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