January 31st is one of the most hectic days in the footballing calendar, as the transfer window begins to shut, moves can dissolve as quickly as they were brokered. In lieu of the precarious nature of the deadline deal, Newcastle striker Aleksander Mitrovic has revealed in an interview with The Times that he has social media app Snapchat to thank for his last minute move to former club Fulham.
The Serbian was due to sign for Belgian club Anderlecht but when that move collapsed, Mitrovic was checking his phone and a message from Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic popped up while browsing Snapchat. The London club had held an interest in the Serbian but Mitrovic had informed Jokanovic that he needed to search for a new striker as he was headed for Belgium, before the Anderlecht move had been finalised. The Fulham boss's message read: “How are you?” Mitrovic replied “It’s your lucky day. The deal is broken". And That was the catalyst that saw Mitrovic unveiled as a loan player for Fulham player for the rest of the season.
Mitrovic explained to The Times his reasoning for choosing Fulham over other suitors:
I chose Fulham because of the style, because of the coach. Fulham play the best football in the league, definitely. It is the best move for me, even better than Anderlecht probably.
So it seems Snapchat isn't just for the kids, it's also for thrashing out crucial deadline day signings that could have a massive impact on a club's season. Who'd have thunk it?
