'I'm ready for a bigger role': Exploring potential club move, Niko Sigur ready to step up for CanMNT

This summer represents a huge opportunity for Niko Sigur.

There’s the inaugural Canadian Shield Tournament. An important test for both player and program soon after in the form of the Concacaf Gold Cup. And then there’s also the possibility of a new club as Sigur looks to take another step in his footballing career. But the 21-year old, dressed in a red quarter-zip despite the June heat, is calm and collected as he steps off the pitch at the Wanderers Grounds to field questions from reporters.

Sigur and the rest of the Canadian Men’s National Team have just wrapped up a gruelling training session, part of head coach Jesse Marsch’s commitment to fitness and a dogged press. Despite committing to Canada last year, Sigur admits it’s taken him time to adapt to Marsch’s brand of football but now, on the eve of some of the program’s biggest challenges before the FIFA World Cup hits home soil, he feels ready to embrace a larger role.

“I feel good physically. I feel strong, I feel ready,” he said. “I think I’m going to have some more responsibility, especially since Alistair (Johnston)’s not here and then obviously with Stephen Eustáquio going away as well.”

Injuries and the Club World Cup mean that Marsch will be without several of his most trusted players for this summer’s Gold Cup. Moïse Bombito has already been knocked out of the tournament. Alphonso Davies continues to rehab a torn cruciate ligament. Eustáquio, often viewed as the squad’s conscience, will also be away with Porto at the Club World Cup and is unsure when or if he’ll join depending on how his club fares.

The absences, of course, mean players like Sigur will have a chance to showcase Canada’s depth this summer. The fact that the squad has previously been criticized for its perceived lack of depth beyond their starting XI sets up a very interesting test for a squad hungry for silverware. In many ways, Marsch needs players like Sigur to step up to push the program to heights it’s never been.

But where will Sigur play?

Niko Sigur playing for Canada against the United States in Concacaf Nations League ( Photo: Canada Soccer / Audrey Magny)

The Croatian-Canadian is comfortable as a holding midfielder or right-back, the role he’s mostly played for Canada. And when asked where he feels like he could have the most impact, he admits it’s a question he’s asked a lot as he looks to find his role within the squad.

“Honestly, it’s more of where the coach wants me to play because I can do both roles and I’ve done it for many years now. It’s more of what (Marsch) wants from the team and where I fit in. I’m good with doing either,” said Sigur.

“I’m not sure exactly where I’m going to play but I’m ready, I’m ready for a bigger role. I think the whole group is ready as well because we’re going in wanting to win this.”

A larger role with Canada is only one of the next steps potentially on Sigur’s horizon: Having spent the last three years with Hajduk Split in Croatia, reports have surfaced about growing interest from clubs throughout Europe.

When asked by reporters if he would welcome a move this summer, Sigur says it has to be the right move.

“Yeah, I’m open to it, honestly. I think it’s more down to what the club wants. I have a contract (with Hajduk) until 2028,” he explained.

“There’s been a little bit of communication but I think it was clear that when I come back from the Gold Cup, we’re going to kind of come to a decision and obviously there needs to be concrete offers and offers that make sense for me to go. With the World Cup coming up, I want to be playing. I’ve been with Hajduk three years now. If something comes up, then of course, I’m ready. But it has to make sense.”

It remains to be seen if Sigur will leave Hajduk but if last summer’s Copa América run proved anything, it’s that the football world is clearly watching Canada and the talent it has to offer.

If Sigur can establish himself in the Canadian Shield Tournament and then the Gold Cup, there’s no telling what offers may come his way as he continues to develop. Players like Bombito, Derek Cornelius and Ismaël Koné are living proof of what could await one of Canada’s most interesting young talents should he rise to the occasion.