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The versatile defender Pivas has joined Dutch Eredivisie club Willem II on a season-long loan, following his transfer to Newcastle from Serbian side FK Jedinstvo Ub.
During the 2023-24 season, Pivas made 26 first-team appearances, scoring one goal. The 6ft 2in Serbian initially played as a defensive midfielder at youth level but has more frequently been deployed as a center-back since transitioning to senior football.
Pivas arrived at Newcastle as a relatively low-profile signing, with the intention of sending him out on loan for the 2024-25 season, similar to how Yankuba Minteh was handled last year. Although the English transfer window closed last week, Pivas was able to secure a loan move to the Netherlands, where the transfer window remains open until Monday, September 2.
Pivas’ absence from Newcastle’s first team and Under-21s since his arrival in July had sparked questions among fans. He did not participate in pre-season training or the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign.
While such loans are sometimes used to address work permit issues, club sources indicate that Pivas’ move to the Netherlands is primarily focused on his development as a player. The defender makes this move with significant praise from Serbian football legend Nemanja Matic.
Earlier this year, the former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder highlighted Pivas’ “huge talent and serious potential,” drawing comparisons to defenders Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic.
In addition to Pivas, Newcastle is expected to finalize a loan deal for left-back Jamal Lewis, while uncertainty surrounds Garang Kuol after he suffered an injury earlier this summer.