Montenegrin striker Dejan Racic has returned to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this season, aiming to regain his scoring form after a goalless stint in Indonesia. The 28-year-old joined Geylang International following a challenging 2025-26 campaign in the Indonesian leagues.
Racic’s move to Indonesia came after a standout 2024-25 season with Hougang United, where he scored 24 goals in 28 league appearances. Seeking to test himself in what he perceived as a more competitive environment, the forward signed for Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung in the Indonesia Super League. However, Racic was unable to find the net in 17 games across stints with Bhayangkara and on loan at Persita Tangerang.
“The reason I moved to Indonesia was because, at that moment, I thought it was a higher level, and Indonesia is a more competitive league,” Racic said. “A lot of teams play tough football, and it’s more European style, so it’s similar to how I played before.” He added that the playing style of his Indonesian clubs, characterized by a defensive, low-block approach, did not suit his strengths as a striker. “When I played here with Hougang, I played a very open style of attacking transition football, where I could perform in the box.”
Back in the SPL, Racic has joined Geylang International, who currently occupy third place after a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United on September 14. Geylang head coach Noor Ali expressed confidence in Racic’s ability to rediscover his scoring touch. “Dejan brings a proven track record of finding the back of the net in the league, along with a tireless work ethic and strong character that fits perfectly with the team’s identity,” Noor said.
Racic cited his familiarity with Noor’s attacking football philosophy as a key factor in his decision to rejoin the SPL and sign with Geylang. “I already know his philosophy about attacking football. So when we spoke, it was easy to make a deal... He knows me and I scored four goals against them that season, so he knows my quality,” Racic noted.
As the season unfolds, Racic is optimistic about his role and the team’s prospects. “If we perform like a team, I know I will be one of the players that scores the most goals because I’m a striker and the team will work for me. It’s important to start the season with a few wins so that we will be more confident.”
Geylang’s next match is against the Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium on September 19. The Young Lions, having suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to FC Jurong on September 13, will be looking to improve. Young Lions coach Firdaus Kassim acknowledged the threat posed by Racic and Geylang’s North Korean winger Yang Hyeon-Ju. “They can hurt you if you give them the opportunity,” Kassim said. He also emphasized areas for improvement after their loss, particularly in clinical finishing and defensive lapses.
Elsewhere in the SPL, FC Jurong aim to build on their strong 4-0 opening victory over the Young Lions when they face a determined Hougang United side. Hougang had previously secured a 2-2 draw against defending champions Lion City Sailors despite twice leading in that match.
Balestier Khalsa and Tanjong Pagar United, both struggling from disciplinary and defensive errors in their season openers, are preparing for their second match, needing stronger performances as they seek their first points of the season.