Official: Kiel sign Zec

Newly promoted Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel have bolstered their defensive ranks by completing the rumored signing of Slovenian defender David Zec. The 24-year-old was unveiled on Christmas Eve. Precise details of the once-capped international's new deal were not disclosed. 

Zec spent three years at the Benfica academy, but never progressed past the reserves. Since 2021, he's been representing NK Celje in his native country. Zec recently helped his club qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League playoffs. 

With 38 goals conceded in the last 15 games, Kiel possess the worst performing defense in the German top flight. KSV sporting director Carsten Wehlmann made clear that Zec's early signing was meant to remedy this in his club statement. 

“With David Zec, we have been able to sign an experienced central defender for our defense," Wehlmann's statement read, "We are convinced that David, with his extensive experience, will quickly take on responsibility and immediately help our team.”

“I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the Bundesliga," the player himself added. "I will throw all my energy into tacking this. My goal is to get to know everything here as quickly as possible and to get involved from day one.”