Done deal: Dundee United signs 23 year old defender on a two-year deal.

Dundee United has signed Vicko Ševelj from Slovenian club NK Radomlje for a two-year contract, subject to international clearance and a UK work permit.

Ševelj was born in Dubrovnik and played for many local academies before joining Hajduk Split at the age of 16.

He rapidly became a vital player of the club’s reserve team, which competed in the second division and routinely challenged for first place despite being ineligible for promotion.

Spring 2021 was a banner season for the defender, as his outstanding performances earned him both his Croatia U20 debut and his first-team club debut. Despite this, Ševelj left Bili to join former junior team coach Goran Sablic at FK Sarajevo later the same year.

A year-long tenure in the Bosnian capital included a successful temporary stint with NK Radomlje, which laid the groundwork for a permanent relocation the following summer. During his loan tenure, he appeared in all seven of the club’s final league games of the season, losing none.

Ševelj’s determination, consistency, and versatility made him a staple in Radomlje’s starting XI after moving north, making over 60 games across two seasons in various defensive positions.

When compared to players aged 23 and younger competing in the 2023/24 Prva Liga, he made the most passes into the final third, had a 71% duel success rate, and intercepted 204 opposing passes, more than any of his peers.

Ševelj, who has a three-year contract with the club, will join Jim Goodwin’s side for their first training session tomorrow.

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

“I was aware of United prior to my arrival, but since moving to Dundee, I have been pleasantly surprised by the club’s magnitude and grandeur – we have frequently competed at the highest 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!

Following the signing of his third acquisition of the season, United Manager Goodwin stated: “Having highlighted Vicko’s talent a few months ago, I’m happy to finally have him at my disposal.

“He personifies the modern-day defense, strong in duels and capable of confidently venturing out of the back to assess progressive passing options. Although he is primarily a centre-back, his diverse skill set allows him to play in a variety of positions, highlighting his worth to the team.”

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.”

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