Igor Vekić, Slovenia’s national team goalkeeper, has joined HNK Rijeka, the Croatian top-tier club, under the guidance of former Slovenian national team coach Matjaž Kek. The transfer was confirmed by all three sources, with the deal involving a two-year contract that includes an option for an additional season. Vekić will compete for a place in Rijeka’s goalkeeping squad, adding experience from multiple European leagues to the team's depth. The move marks the latest chapter in Vekić’s career, which began with youth teams of Kranjska Gora’s Triglav before he moved to Ljubljana-based Brava. He made 102 appearances for the senior team before joining Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira. From there, he played for Danish club Vejle Boldklub for the past three years, including a stint during which the team narrowly missed out on the Danish championship. Prior to his arrival in Croatia, Vekić had earned five caps for the Slovenian national team, debuting under Kek’s leadership in a friendly against the United States. Vekić expressed enthusiasm about joining Rijeka, calling it a “great club” and acknowledging the responsibility and positive pressure that comes with representing such a team. He noted that his initial impressions have been favorable and that he looks forward to getting to know his teammates. His relationship with Kek, whom he described as someone he has known for some time, was highlighted as an added advantage. Vekić emphasized that their good rapport is something he intends to maintain both off and on the pitch. Matjaž Kek, who previously served as Slovenia’s national team coach from 2018 until his departure in June, returned to Rijeka as head coach. During his tenure, Kek led the club through 274 matches, achieving notable success, including guiding them to a double crown in the 2016/17 season. His return to Rijeka coincides with the signing of Vekić, further strengthening the connection between the Slovenian coaching legacy and the Croatian club. The club welcomed Vekić with a statement highlighting his contributions to the team’s competitive edge. They noted that his experience across several European leagues enhances the squad’s reliability and competitiveness. Rijeka’s management expressed confidence in Vekić’s ability to contribute to future challenges, emphasizing his track record of consistency and performance. Vekić’s arrival adds another layer to Rijeka’s goalkeeping competition, offering a blend of technical skill and tactical awareness honed over years of professional play. As he prepares to integrate into the team, his presence is expected to elevate the overall quality of the squad, particularly in high-stakes matches. With the new season approaching, Vekić’s role in helping Rijeka achieve its goals will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
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