Michigan Stars midfielder Steven Juncaj has reportedly signed on with ND Gorica of the Slovenian first division. However, perhaps the even bigger news in all of this is Steven’s father (and Michigan Stars owner) George Juncaj purchasing a controlling stake in his son’s new club.
According to Planet Nogomet, Juncaj has taken control of 74 percent of the members’ team with the prior majority owners maintaining 26 percent plus control of the youth side.
Uroš Blažica , the new presidentND Gorica, declined to confirm this at Friday’s press conference,which we wrote some time ago: that the club’s new business partner will come from the United States of America . But as we can reveal, the deal between Gorica and businessman Georg Juncaj has been finalized and officially sealed. George Juncaj, who owns the Michigan Stars club in the United States, will take over control of the members’ team , while the current management will primarily deal with the youth drive and the operation of the club as a whole.
The business arrangement will be as permitted by Slovenian legislation: the new company, which will take care of the members’ team, will be 74% owned by Juncaj , and the remaining 26% by ND Gorica. As mentioned, the agreement is concluded and sealed, now it is time to prepare all the necessary documentation .
Planet Nogomet
Furthermore, according to Primorski, Juncaj invested €5 million into the club, which according to the publication by comparison the total budget of ND Gorica failed to reach €1 million all last season.
ND Gorica made their return to the top Slovenian league just this season after winning the second league back in 2021-22. Currently, they’re in eighth place in the 10-team league, and in trouble of once again being relegated.
So… what next for the Michigan Stars?
With Steven Juncaj joining ND Gorica and George Juncaj taking control of that club, you have to wonder what’s next for the Michigan Stars. Steven obviously played a huge role in Michigan’s attack with George also serving as the manager after Trevor Banks was let go in the middle of last season.
You also can’t help but speculate on the future given the timing of USSF’s audit of NISA.
Is George Juncaj planning his next move just in case the presumably cash-strapped league faces more financial turmoil this upcoming season, perhaps to the point that NISA can’t finish the season?