Amar Brkic Leaves Germany, Borneo FC Recruit U-20 National Team Player on Registration Deadline Day

Samarinda — Amar Brkic, a young midfielder for the Indonesia U-20 national team, has officially ended his career in Germany and chosen to join Borneo FC Samarinda. The announcement was made by the Pesut Etam management on Wednesday (23/9/2026), coinciding with the final day of player registration ahead of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League season.

Brkic's move marks a significant transfer for the 19-year-old. He previously trained at the academies of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Darmstadt 98 U-19, two clubs known for their strong youth development in Germany. The decision to return to Indonesia signals that the domestic league is beginning to be seen as a competitive career destination, not merely a last port of call.

Borneo FC did not specify the contract duration, but stressed that Brkic will be part of the club's long-term project. "This young Indonesia national team player will be part of Borneo FC Samarinda's long-term plan," the club's official Instagram account, @borneofc.id, wrote in its announcement.

The recruitment completes Borneo FC's long list of new players. Besides Brkic, the club has brought in Reva Adi Utama, Van Basty Sousa, Ibrah Ohorella, Moussa Diarra, Aditya Warman, Carlos Patrick Barros, Gabriel Oliveira, Rodrigo Varanda, Kablan Davy N'Goma, Hugo Samir, Achmad Figo, Rakasurya Handika, Muhammad Ridho, Muhamad Darmawan, and Rifad Marasebyssy. Names such as Daniel Mikolajewski, Kadu, Rei Okada, Rubio, Christian Matheus Lima da Silva, Iago Mendonca, and Njabulo Blom also bolster the squad. A total of 23 new players shows the management's big ambition to compete at the top.

"Welcome Amar Brkic! This young Indonesia national team player will be part of Borneo FC Samarinda's long-term plan. Kasih manyala," Borneo FC wrote on Instagram.

Brkic's move to the BRI Super League also highlights the growing phenomenon of diaspora players choosing to build their careers in Indonesia. Whereas many young Indonesian players previously stayed in Europe to gain experience, the domestic league is now seen as able to offer more playing minutes, exposure with the national team, and proximity to the national football market. For Borneo FC, Brkic's presence not only adds options in midfield but also strengthens the club's branding as a destination for developing young talent.

From the Indonesia national team's perspective, Brkic's decision could be a blessing in itself. Playing regularly in the domestic competition makes it easier for the national coaching staff to monitor him, especially ahead of age-group international fixtures. However, the challenge is to prove that the quality of the BRI Super League can maintain the sharpness and technical development of a player accustomed to the discipline of European football.

Borneo FC itself is building a long-term foundation by recruiting many young and experienced players at once. Recruiting on the final day of registration shows careful planning, though it also raises questions about how quickly the new players can adapt to the team's playing style. The 2026/2027 season will be a test for this grand strategy.

Going forward, Indonesian football fans will be waiting to see how Brkic answers expectations. Can he become a backbone for Borneo FC and lead the club to compete for the title, while also strengthening his position in the U-20 national team? The answer will become clear as the competition unfolds.