Busy transfer window shows no signs of slowing down

Busy transfer window shows no signs of slowing down

Whoever predicted a busy transfer window between the two major international competitions was very much right.

A lot of movement was seen among Europe’s best last week (anticipating still more to come) as the ever-competitive Men's EHF Champions League is less than a month away.

However, it is the EHF EURO 2016, which takes the centre stage in Poland from 15 to 31 January. With the top European talent on national team duty, many clubs would prefer to conduct business before the start of the continent-wide handball craze.

Kiel confirm Brozovic swoop

It is THW Kiel who stole the show with arguably the last week’s biggest signing – Ilija Brozovic, from HSV. The German behemoth did not waste time either, as they wanted the robust Croatian with immediate effect - this significantly bolstering their squad for the upcoming VELUX EHF Champions League challenges.

"I am looking forward to working together with my compatriot Domagoj Duvnjak at the club," said Ilija Brozovic to thw-handball.de

"With Kiel I can play in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. This is important for my development and I would like to press ahead, as I continue my career with one of the most famous clubs in the world," added Brozovic upon signing a one-year deal.

Herzlich willkommen for Ilija. Now let us see whether this promising Croatian can take THW Kiel to glory.

Sabate commits to Veszprem, Pytlik calls end to Vardar saga

Coaches are on the move, as well, but it is a one-way ticket for the homesick Jan Pytlick. This season will be the last we will be seeing this “Balkan-Scandinavian synergy” in ZRK Vardar.

The Danish tactician announced he will part ways with the female Macedonian powerhouse and a two-time EHF FINAL4 participants for personal reasons come the end of the season.

It remains to be seen whether Pylick’s imminent departure can spark a string of inspired performances from Vardar in the Women’s EHF Champions League this season, and leave a huge legacy in his farewell season.

 “I have to be close to my family,” said Pytlick to zrkvardar.mk

“It was a very sad day for me because I am very happy here, this is a great club, one of the largest in Europe. I am very happy here, but I have to go because of my family.

"My goal since I came here was to win the Champions League and it remained so. Indira (Kastratovic, head coach) and I will work hard to achieve that. I think we have a good mix,” said Pytlick.

Meanwhile, a sigh of relief for all Veszprém fans, as the heir to Carlos Ortega has finally been found. Nonetheless, the new Veszprém tactician will be the former assistant and a current caretaker coach Xavi Sabate.

Sabate joined Veszprém in 2012, and has come out of the shadows as the understudy to Ortega, leading the team to some impressive VELUX EHF Champions League performances (16 wins from 18 matches); most notably the 28:20 win against PSG, which are likely to have persuaded the Hungarian powerhouse to grant him a one-year deal.

It remains to be seen whether Sabate is to continue on the legacy of his predecessor and win the EHF Champions League with Veszprem.

Mackovsek seals move back home

Another EHF EURO star on the move is Slovenian shooter Borut Mackovsek.

The towering left back will come back to his roots, signing a two-year deal with Celje Pivovarna Lasko.

Despite being only 23 years old Mackovsek has come a long way from Hannover, Dinamo Minsk, Montpellier and Eisenach before re-joining his boyhood club, where he boasts an impressive record of 381 goals in 112 matches.

The acquisition of the rising star Mackovsek is considered somewhat of a coup for Celje, usually boasting a reputation of a selling club, and will surely represent the club’s growing ambition going forward in the VELUX EHF Champions League.

“I am pleased to be returning to the club where I made huge progress. One of the reasons behind my decision to return to Celje is the chance to work with the great coach Branko Tamse. I hope that the next two seasons will be successful,” said Mackovsek to delo.si

He is back. Mačkovšek just signed for two seasons with @RKCPL . #handball #rkcpl pic.twitter.com/I9MU3ibajz

— RK Celje Piv. Laško (@RKCPL) January 13, 2016