 Kovačević flourished at the Belgrade club, winning a Yugoslav League title and two Yugoslav Cups, becoming one of Europe's hottest prospects and earning a call-up to the Yugoslavia national team.Netting in an astonishing 37 goals in just 47 games, Kovačević was eventually picked up by Premier League club Sheffield Wednesday in December 1995 for £2m.Given the opportunity to showcase his skills in one of the top leagues in Europe, Kovačević initially looked good, impressive in the air, and scoring 2 goals in one game against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–2 victory that saw him likened to Les Ferdinand, but the rest of his skills failed to leave any mark with the English club.