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1st July 2024
Dundee United are delighted to announce the signing of Kristijan Trapanovski on a two-year deal, with a club-held option of an additional 12 months. The move is subject to both SFA and international clearance.
Hailing from Bitola, Trapanovski began his senior career aged just 16, plying his trade with Akademija Pandev - a club founded by legendary Macedonian forward and former Inter Milan star, Goran Pandev. His debut season ended with an invincible third-tier title, and second with a historic promotion into the top-flight of North Macedonian football.
Czech giants Slavia Prague would snap up the promising wideman in the summer of 2017, and a succession of loan spells in both Czechia and Slovakia followed, including a stint with United’s former European foes, Tatran Prešov. Trapanovski’s best taste of regular action during his formative years came on the international stage, capped 33 times by his country between U18 and U21 level.
After leaving the Czech capital, another year with Akademija Pandev, in which he grabbed his first senior goal, preceded a move to Prva Liga outfit FK Shkupi. 101 appearances later, Trapanovski has been earmarked as one of Macedonian football’s brightest talents.
2021/22 brought Shkupi’s first-ever Macedonian title, with our new number seven playing in all but one of their league fixtures, grabbing four goals and four assists in the process. This triumph subsequently afforded him his first taste of action on the European stage, featuring in both UEFA Champions League and Europa League Qualifying clashes with Dinamo Zagreb and Shamrock Rovers respectively.
Last term was the most prolific of Trapanovski’s career to date, as he netted on six occasions whilst also teeing up his teammates a further six times. Breaking down his contributions statistically, he attempted 70 more dribbles than any other Prva Liga player, made the most key passes per 90 minutes and took 30 shots from open play.
AN EXCITING SPARK OF CREATIVITY
Speaking on the calibre of his sixth summer signing, United Manager Jim Goodwin said: “I’m delighted to have Kristijan in the building - we’ve been eagerly awaiting his arrival for a few weeks so it was great to have him as part of the training group this morning.
“He has an exciting spark of creativity, top-class delivery into the area and a ruthless finishing touch, all whilst maintaining a healthy work ethic. Kristijan also has extensive experience on the European stage, and looks set to break into the North Macedonian senior setup imminently - exactly the type of pedigree we look for when bringing a player to the club.
WHAT WE REQUIRE WITHIN THE SQUAD
Head of Recruitment, Michael Cairney, added: "Kristijan is a player we have been tracking for an extended period of time. Both his player profile and character are very much suited to what we require within the squad and I look forward to seeing his impact.
"The hard work continues behind the scenes and we look forward to unveiling new additions to the squad soon."
I'VE HEARD LOTS OF GREAT THINGS ABOUT OUR SUPPORTERS
Finally, the 24-year-old commented: "I feel so happy, this is a massive opportunity for me. I trained for the first time today and the facilities, my teammates and the staff were fantastic with me.
"Football is for the fans, and I think I will enjoy the support in Scotland. I've heard lots of great things about Dundee United supporters, and I can't wait for the first Dundee Derby!"
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
To conclude his first day as a United player, Trapanovski spoke exclusively to DUTV to set out his aims and ambitions during his time at the club!
