Club NXT U23 has signed Tian Nai Koren (16), a Slovenian talented midfielder and youth international coming over from NK Maribor. He has signed a contract binding him at Club Brugge until 2028. This transfer showcases Club NXT's reputation of signing European top talent.
With over 30 goals in one season, the then 14 year old Tian made quite the mark with the NK Maribor U17 squad, and his performances saw him make his way to the Slovenian national U17 squad, scoring four in three international games. Last season, he also took his first steps on the European stage, joining Maribor in the UEFA Youth League where he came in to action on three occasions, netting one.
Koren has drawn the attention of many teams through his creativity, his mature vista and scoring abilities. He is reckoned the technically most complete midfielder of his generation in Slovenia. Early 2025, he signed a first professional contract at NK Maribor, and now Tian is taking the next step in his career in joining Club NXT U23.
His choice did not come about by chance. Tian has chsoen for Club NXT's project, the Club Brugge DNA, in surroundings where young and upcoming talent is invested in structurally. Club NXT will be offering him a trajectory that will prepare him, both as a player and a human being, for the next chapters in his career: football in the Challenger Pro League, cup football, Club Brugge's seniors Starting XI… Many Club NXT players have paved the way, and that proved a deciding factor in his decision to join Club NXT.
Welcome to Blue & Black, Tian!