St Johnstone have secured the signing of left-back Enes Alic, with manager Simo Valakari stating he had no doubts the deal would be completed. The club moved for the defender from Bosnian side Zeljeznicar, who initially opposed the transfer, as reported by AOL this week.
This acquisition comes as St Johnstone prepare for their return to the Scottish Premiership after a dominant Championship-winning campaign. The final 2025 table shows they finished first with 77 points, winning 22 of their 36 games and losing only three. Their goal difference of +42, built on 67 goals scored and just 25 conceded, was a key factor in their success.
Why was Valakari so confident?
Simo Valakari, the St Johnstone manager, expressed unwavering belief that the transfer would be finalized despite obstacles. "I had no doubts the deal for Enes Alic would be completed," Valakari said, according to the AOL report. This confidence suggests the club's negotiations were well-advanced and that personal terms with the player were never in question. The main hurdle appeared to be reaching an agreement with his former club, Zeljeznicar.
The Bosnian club's initial opposition to the move is a common feature in transfers, often relating to valuation or contractual details. St Johnstone's persistence and clear plan for the player ultimately saw the deal cross the line. Valakari's calm assurance indicates a manager who is actively shaping his squad with specific targets in mind.
Where does Alic fit in the squad?
Enes Alic arrives as a specialist left-back, a position that requires both defensive solidity and attacking width in modern systems. His profile suggests he will provide direct competition and cover for that role immediately. The current squad data shows Stevie Mallan as the team's top scorer this season with two goals from 11 appearances, highlighting an area where contributions from defenders could be valuable.
Integrating a new defender will be important for maintaining the defensive record that served St Johnstone so well last season. The team's recent form of five consecutive wins shows a squad in strong rhythm, and new signings must adapt quickly to that environment. Fans can track the full squad composition on our dedicated squad page.
What does this mean for the season ahead?
The signing signals St Johnstone's intent to build a competitive squad for the Premiership. With the new league season not yet underway, this early business allows Alic a full pre-season to integrate with his teammates. The club's next scheduled fixture is a home match against Dundee United on October 17, 2026, which you can see on our fixtures page.
Strengthening the defensive unit was a clear priority after promotion. Adding a player in a key position addresses a potential need before the campaign begins. The club's comprehensive stats page details the defensive strengths they will look to carry forward. With the foundation of a title-winning season behind them, targeted additions like Alic aim to ensure a smooth transition to the top flight.
