Michal Šiplak Tatran Prešov Scout Report
Michal Šiplak
Quick Answer
Michal Šiplak is a 30-year-old experienced Slovak centre-back who, after coming through Slovan Bratislava and Michalovce, spent time in Poland with Cracovia and Górnik Zabrze gaining Ekstraklasa experience before joining Tatran Prešov as a free agent from Puszcza Niepołomice on 1 July 2025. In 2025-26 he played 22 matches with 1 goal and 3 assists in his first Niké Liga season, contributing well beyond defensive duties. His biggest strength is the experience gathered in Poland’s top flight; the key thing to track is his long-term stability at a new club at 30.
Player Info Card
| Full name | Michal Šiplak |
| Date of birth | 2 February 1996 |
| Age | 30 |
| Place of birth | Slovakia |
| Nationality | Slovakia |
| Primary position | Centre-Back |
| Shirt number | 4 |
| Current club | Tatran Prešov (1 July 2025 (from Puszcza Niepołomice)) |
| Contract status | Until 30 June 2027 |
Career History
| Period | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Early career | Michalovce / Bardejov / Slovan Bratislava | Slovakia |
| 2023-2024 | Cracovia | Poland — Ekstraklasa |
| 2024-2025 | Górnik Zabrze | Poland — Ekstraklasa |
| 2025 (short spell) | Puszcza Niepołomice | Poland |
| 1 July 2025-present | Tatran Prešov | Niké Liga — contract until 2027 |
Šiplak progressed through Slovakia’s lower ranks with Michalovce, Bardejov and Slovan Bratislava before moving into Polish football, finding regular minutes in the Ekstraklasa with Cracovia and Górnik Zabrze. After a brief stint at Puszcza Niepołomice he joined Tatran Prešov as a free transfer on 1 July 2025 and settled into the backbone of the defence for the club’s first Niké Liga season. In 2025-26 he played 22 league matches with an average rating of 6.9, adding 1 goal and 3 assists — an unusual output for a centre-back.
Playing Style & Assessment
Šiplak is a modern centre-back, strong in duels thanks to the physical and tactical maturity gained in Poland’s top flight, and also able to produce goals and assists from set pieces. His early career in Michalovce and Slovan Bratislava keeps him well versed in Slovak football.
Strengths
- Ekstraklasa experience — Found regular minutes in Poland’s top division with Cracovia and Górnik Zabrze.
- Attacking output — 1 goal and 3 assists in 2025-26 show productivity beyond the centre-back role.
- Long contract — His deal running to 2027 reflects the club’s trust in him.
Development Areas
- Age — At 30, he fits a medium- rather than long-term contribution profile.
- New-system adaptation — Whether he sustains this form across a full top-flight season at his new club remains to be seen.
- Career stability — Frequent club changes point to a search for long-term settlement in one system.
Level Projection
Verdict: An experienced Slovak centre-back with Polish Ekstraklasa experience who also contributes going forward; not a direct Süper Lig target, but a medium-term profile whose Niké Liga form is worth tracking.
Sporting Director’s Note
| Current level | Experienced, productive centre-back |
| Primary role | Centre-Back |
| Transfer cost | Data insufficient |
| Key strength | Ekstraklasa experience |
| Key risk | Age |
| Scout verdict | Monitor for another period |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michal Šiplak? A 30-year-old experienced Slovak centre-back who played in Poland’s Ekstraklasa with Cracovia and Górnik Zabrze before joining Tatran Prešov in 2025.
Which clubs did Michal Šiplak come from? After Michalovce, Bardejov and Slovan Bratislava he played for Cracovia, Górnik Zabrze and Puszcza Niepołomice.
Sources & Methodology
This report was compiled by cross-referencing Transfermarkt, the club’s official profile page, Wikipedia and accessible football data platforms. Tactical commentary and the level projection are GegenSports editorial assessments.
- Soccerway — Michal Šiplak career statistics
- FotMob — Tatran Prešov season data
- Tatran Prešov official squad page
