UNITED SECURE CROATIAN DEFENDER VICKO ŠEVELJ ON TWO-YEAR DEAL

Dundee United are delighted to announce the signing of Vicko Ševelj, who arrives in the city of Discovery on an initial two-year deal from Slovenian outfit NK Radomlje, subject to both international clearance and the receipt of a UK Work Permit.

Born in Dubrovnik, Ševelj spent his formative years representing a smattering of local academies, before making the journey up the coast as a 16-year-old to join six-time Croatian champions Hajduk Split.

He quickly became an integral member of the club’s reserve side competing in the second tier, as they regularly battled for pole position - albeit ineligible for promotion.

Spring 2021 brought heady days for the defender, with his flourishing performances seeing him rewarded with both his Croatia U20 debut, and his first-team bow at club level. Despite this, Ševelj would cut ties with the Bili later that year, following former youth team coach Goran Sablic to FK Sarajevo.  

A year-long stay in the Bosnian capital featured a successful temporary stint with NK Radomlje, laying the foundations for a permanent switch the subsequent summer. During his loan spell, he would play all seven of the club’s final league matches of the campaign - losing none.

Ševelj's tenacity, consistency and versatility ensured he was mainstay in Radomlje’s starting XI since his move north, making over 60 appearances across two seasons in a variety of different defensive positions.

When compared with players aged 23 and under competing in the 2023/24 Prva Liga, he made the most passes into the final third, boasted a 71% duel success rate and snuffed out 204 opposition passes - more than any of his peers. 

Ševelj, who has penned a deal which sees the club hold an option of a third year, will begin his journey in tangerine tomorrow as he embarks on his first training session with Jim Goodwin's squad.

THE PASSION OF OUR FANS IS INCREDIBLE

"I’m delighted to be a Dundee United player", said Vicko upon his arrival at the DUFC Training Centre.

"I knew of United before arriving but since making my way to Dundee, I have been pleasantly surprised by the size and stature of the club - we have regularly played in the top level of European football, beaten Barcelona and won the Scottish Premiership.

"The passion of our fans is incredible too, and I have watched many videos of them showing their support for the team - I can't wait to experience it myself."

"I’m very excited to start training tomorrow and meet all my new teammates - I’ve been in the city a few days preparing for that moment. I want to show the Manager, fans and my fellow players what I am capable of!

'HE PERSONIFIES THE MODERN-DAY DEFENDER'

Following the capture of his third recruit of the window, United Manager Goodwin commented: "Having highlighted Vicko’s talent a few months ago, I’m thrilled to finally have him at my disposal.

"He personifies the modern-day defender - strong in duels and adept at stepping out from the back to assess progressive passing options with confidence. Although predominantly a centre-back, his wide attribute spread allows him to be utilised in a variety of positions, further underlining his value to the playing group."

He continued: "Vicko’s arrival also represents our first foray into the growing Eastern European market, one which we are eager to continue exploring for more elite-level players this summer and beyond."

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Vicko also took a few minutes to speak exclusively with DUTV before kickstarting his United career!