Bengaluru FC Sign Montenegrin Striker Mihailo Perović Ahead of 2026-27 ISL Season

Bengaluru FC have strengthened their attacking options ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season with the signing of Montenegrin striker Mihailo Perović.

The 29-year-old joins the Blues after an extensive career across European and Asian football, bringing experience from six countries and two continents to Bengaluru. Most recently, Perović played for Indonesian club Persebaya Surabaya, where he scored six goals and provided one assist during the 2025-26 Super League season.

His move marks a new chapter in a career that has taken him across Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Slovenia and Indonesia before his arrival in Indian football. For Bengaluru FC, the signing adds an experienced overseas striker to the squad as the club prepares for the upcoming ISL campaign under head coach Pep Muñoz.

Born in Podgorica, Montenegro, Perović began his professional career with Hungarian club Újpest FC. He subsequently built a career across several leagues, representing clubs in Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and Slovenia. His football journey has included spells with Voždovac in Serbia, Budućnost Podgorica in Montenegro, Zorya Lugansk in Ukraine and NK Olimpija in Slovenia.

He later returned to Montenegro, where he played for FK Iskra and FK Jezero, before making the move to Southeast Asia with Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia. That recent experience could prove particularly valuable for Bengaluru FC. The transition from European football to the Indian Super League can present several challenges, including different playing conditions, climate, travel demands and tactical styles. 

Having already spent a season competing in Indonesia, Perović arrives with recent experience of Asian football and the adjustments required to perform in the region. During the 2025-26 season, his six goals and one assist for Persebaya Surabaya demonstrated his ability to contribute in the final third.

Bengaluru will now hope that experience can translate into an immediate impact in the ISL.

“I wanted a new challenge."

Perović said the opportunity to join Bengaluru FC and be part of the club's project played a major role in his decision to move to India. “When I heard about the project with Bengaluru FC, I was more than happy to accept it because I wanted to have a new challenge in a different country,” Perović said.

“I am really looking forward to this chapter in India, and I cannot wait to get started.” The move to Bengaluru represents another new footballing environment for the striker, who has already adapted to multiple leagues and countries during his professional career.

That ability to settle into different football cultures could become an important asset as he prepares for his first season in India. For a forward joining a new league, the early months will be crucial. Perović will need to build an understanding with his new teammates, adapt to the demands of the ISL and establish himself as a reliable attacking option.

Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Muñoz believes the Montenegrin fits the profile the club was looking for as it continues to shape its squad for the new season. “Mihailo is a player who fits perfectly with how we want to build the team for the coming season,” Muñoz said.

“He is an intense, physical, and imposing striker with experience in Europe and Indonesia, but most importantly, he's a team player.” Muñoz’s comments offer an indication of the role Bengaluru expect Perović to play.

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At 29, the striker arrives with considerable experience while still being at an age where he can be expected to handle the physical demands of a full season. His physical presence could provide Bengaluru with another dimension in attack, particularly in matches where the team needs a central forward capable of holding up the ball, competing with defenders and bringing teammates into play.

However, Muñoz’s emphasis on Perović being a “team player” could be equally significant. Modern strikers are increasingly expected to contribute beyond scoring goals. Pressing from the front, linking play, creating space and helping teammates become important parts of a forward's responsibilities.

Bengaluru will hope Perović can offer that all-round contribution.

Founded in 2013 by the JSW Group, Bengaluru FC have established themselves as one of Indian football’s most successful modern clubs. The Blues have won two I-League titles and an Indian Super League title, while also becoming the first and only Indian club to reach the final of the AFC Cup. The Sree Kanteerava Stadium has been central to the club’s identity, with Bengaluru building a strong football culture in the city and developing one of the country's most recognised fan communities through the West Block Blues.

The club has also invested in grassroots development and the growth of football in Karnataka. As Bengaluru prepares for another ISL season, the signing of Perović is part of their effort to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The success of the move will ultimately be judged by what happens on the pitch.

Perović brings experience, a physical profile and familiarity with Asian football. Bengaluru will now look to help him settle quickly and form the connections required to lead their attack. For the 29-year-old, India becomes the latest stop in a career that has already crossed continents.

For Bengaluru FC, the hope is that it will be a productive one.

The Blues have added another experienced striker to their ranks. The next challenge will be turning that signing into goals and results when the 2026-27 Indian Super League season begins.