In the summer of 2022, Jan Kuchta had just completed a six-month spell in Russia’s top flight before expressing his desire to return to the Czech Republic. He joined Sparta on loan and reunited with coach Brian Priske. Kuchta enjoyed a particularly successful second half of the season, forming an attacking trio with Lukáš Haraslín and Tomáš Čvančara. In 18 league appearances, he recorded 10 goals and four assists. His two goals in the cup quarter-final against Liberec also helped us reach the final, where we would ultimately miss out on the trophy. The disappointment was soon forgotten, however, as the league title celebrations followed.
We started the 2023/24 season with Kuchta in the line-up by qualifying for the Europa League group stage. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the away match against Aris Limassol, setting us on our way to the knockout phase. Ahead of the return leg against Galatasaray, Kuchta also welcomed a daughter into his family and celebrated the occasion in the best possible way – with a goal that sealed our progression to the round of 16.
Throughout the league campaign, Kuchta not only scored but also regularly provided assists, with Lukáš Haraslín and Veljko Birmančević among those benefiting from his work. He saved his best goalscoring form for the decisive stages of the season, even challenging for the league’s Golden Boot. One of his most memorable performances came in the title decider at Mladá Boleslav, where he scored four goals in just 30 minutes.
In August 2024, Kuchta decided to try his luck abroad once again, joining Danish side Midtjylland. However, he returned to the red shirt during the same season and also featured in the Champions League league phase. He once again made a strong start to the following campaign, scoring three goals to help us qualify for the Conference League league phase. He continued to contribute goals and assists in the league as well, although it was not enough to secure another trophy.
Kuchta made 156 competitive appearances for Sparta, scoring 60 goals and providing 32 assists. He won two league titles and one Czech Cup during his time in our shirt.
All the best in Poland, Honza!
