What happened?

Arka Gdynia secured a 2‑1 win over Widzew Łódź on Saturday, and after the match manager Piotr Stokowiec announced that the new striker from Slavia Prague, Jakub Kovač, could stay with the yellow‑blue side. The game, played on 2026‑06‑15, showed the team’s fighting spirit despite a precarious league position – they sit 17th in the Ekstraklasa with 36 points from 34 games, and the last five results read LLLDD. Kovač, a 23‑year‑old Czech, scored the sole goal in the second half, giving Arka the lead.

Why does it matter for Arka?

The club has conceded 61 goals while scoring only 34 this season (‑27 goal difference). That makes every extra goal extremely valuable. The manager highlighted that Kovač brings not only finishing ability but also fresh energy missing from the attack after Mateusz Kwiatkowski’s departure. With the team 24 points behind leaders Lech Poznań, each point counts. The most recent result, a 0‑3 loss to Raków Częstochowa on 2026‑05‑23, underscores the need for change.

What are the transfer prospects?

The club has not disclosed the fee, but the loan from Slavia Prague expires at the end of July. Stokowiec noted that extending the deal requires board approval and meeting financial conditions. If those are met, Kovač could become the main scorer in the second half of the season, helping reverse the recent LLLDD trend.

What’s next in the survival battle?

Arka Gdynia must reach at least 40 points to have a realistic chance of avoiding relegation. Their next fixture is against Zagłębie Lubin, followed by a clash with league leaders Lech Poznań. Should Kovač maintain his form, he could become a key piece in those decisive games. The coach stressed that the squad will tighten up defensively, but they are counting on an extra spark up front to secure a few points in the next five matches.