He signed for Red Star Belgrade in 2004 but injuries prevented him from making an impact and he returned to Greek football with Egaleo after a short loan spell in Poland with Odra Wodzisław.

[4] On 10 August 2012, Popov initially signed for English Premier League side Stoke City on a season long loan deal,[5] but the move fell through after he failed to be granted a UK work permit.

[6] On deadline day, Popov received a UK work permit and he signed instead on a season-long loan for West Bromwich Albion.

On 3 February 2013, Popov was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg for allegedly spitting at fullback Kyle Walker, in a game that ended 1–0 to Tottenham Hotspur.

[12] Statistics accurate as of match played 4 January 2014[14] As of August 2012[15] He is the younger brother of Robert Popov who is also a football player.