One of thte biggest transfer of the summer on the European water polo scene has reverberated from Kragujevac, as one of today's top players, Serbian national team captain and three-time Olympic champion, Nikola Jaksic, makes the move from Novi Beograd to Radnicki.
At just 27 years old, Jaksic already boasts a wealth of experience at both the club and international levels, having won every major competition. Jaksic began his career with Partizan before spending four seasons with Hungarian powerhouse Ferencvaros and then three with Novi Beograd. With Ferencvaros, he won the Champions League, the Euro Cup, and twice lifted the European Super Cup, in addition to numerous domestic league and cup titles in both Serbia and Hungary.
Jaksic became a mainstay in the senior Serbian national team as soon as he turned 18, and in his debut year, he became a world champion in Kazan in 2015. His first Olympic gold came at the age of 19 in Rio, and eight years later, he cemented his legacy by joining the exclusive club of triple Olympic champions in water polo. Alongside these prestigious medals, Jaksic has also won two European Championships, two World League titles, the Mediterranean Games, and the Universiade with Serbia.
"I believe this signing marks a significant step forward in my career, one that will provide me with continuity and excellent work, as well as the opportunity for further development. I’m confident that my skills will help Radnicki continue to achieve its already established goals," Jaksic stated.
With this addition, the Kragujevac club now boasts five of the "Golden Dolphins" from Paris, as Radoslav Filipovic, Strahinja Rasovic, Radomir Drasovic, and Jaksic’s younger brother, Petar Jaksic, have also joined the team.
"Fitting in won’t be an issue, as I’m joining teammates from the Serbian national team and a coach who knows and values my abilities. I’m pleased that Radnicki is fostering the kind of environment that Serbian players deserve, and I believe that Serbian water polo will see more domestic talents rising to prominence, helping to create a brighter future for the next generation. Greetings to all in Sumadija, and I hope to see you at the pool," Jaksic concluded.
This move not only strengthens Radnicki's squad but also sends a strong message about the club's ambitions in the upcoming season, positioning them as serious contenders for top honors in both domestic and international competitions.