Osman Bukari scores again after loan return to Crvena Zvezda

Osman Bukari’s return to Crvena Zvezda is already looking far more productive than his brief spell in Poland. After leaving Widzew Łódź on a season-long loan, the Ghana winger has now registered both an assist in Europe and his first goal since rejoining the Serbian champions.

Fast impact after leaving Ekstraklasa

Widzew made Bukari the most expensive signing in Ekstraklasa history when they paid 5.5 million euros to bring him in from Austin FC on 26 January. But his time in Poland never truly took off. He featured in eight matches for Widzew last season without scoring or providing an assist.

His campaign was also disrupted when he had to leave Poland for a period because his temporary visa expired. Although Bukari reportedly impressed during Widzew’s pre-season camp, he moved back to Crvena Zvezda on 16 July on a one-year loan.

The move has so far brought an immediate change in output. Bukari first contributed an assist in Crvena Zvezda’s 4-0 win over Larne FC in the second round of Champions League qualifying. He then followed that up with a goal in the Serbian league against Vojvodina Novi Sad.

First goal on his return

Bukari opened the scoring in the 15th minute against Vojvodina, finishing with a header after a delivery into the box from Bruno Duarte. Crvena Zvezda went on to win 3-1, with Vasilije Kostov and Dimitrije Sarić also on the scoresheet.

The winger was substituted at half-time, with Franklin Tebo Uchenna coming on in his place. After the match, Bukari said his first goal since returning felt special and spoke of his happiness at being back in the stadium in front of the club’s supporters.

“The first goal after returning tastes great. I’m happy to be back in this stadium, in front of these fans.”

A familiar setting in Belgrade

Bukari is no stranger to Crvena Zvezda. He previously played for the club between 2022 and 2024 after arriving from Gent for 3 million euros. During that first spell, he made 78 appearances, scored 25 goals and provided 20 assists.

Crvena Zvezda later sold him to Austin FC for 7 million euros. According to the source cited in the original report, if the Serbian club decide they want to sign him permanently from Widzew, the fee would be around 3 million euros.

For now, the early signs suggest Bukari has quickly settled back into an environment that suits him. His performances have already helped Crvena Zvezda in both domestic and European competition, underlining the contrast with his difficult start in Ekstraklasa.

What comes next for Crvena Zvezda

Crvena Zvezda could face either Vikingur Reykjavik or Hapoel Beer Sheva in the third round of Champions League qualifying if they progress. Vikingur hold the advantage after winning the first meeting between those sides 2-1.

Head coach Dejan Stanković said the win over Vojvodina was deserved and praised his team’s start, while also noting the demands of a schedule that currently has the side playing every three days.