Lithuanian Toplyga club Vilnius Žalgiris have announced another summer reinforcement after signing Belgian centre-back Danny Koy Lupano, a defender with previous experience in English football academies.
This is already the second signing announced by Žalgiris ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window, after previously confirming the arrival of Ukrainian striker Stanislav Bilenkyi as the club looks to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.
The 25-year-old central defender joins the Vilnius side after spending the last two seasons with Moldovan top-flight club Milsami. During his time there Lupano made 64 appearances, scored eight goals and helped the club win the Moldovan championship during the 2024/25 season.
Before moving abroad, Lupano developed through several English academies, including Solihull Moors, Birmingham City and Hull City, although he never made a senior appearance for either Birmingham or Hull.
“Danny is a tall and physically strong centre-back. He has experience in English academies and in several European countries. He also knows what it means to fight for titles and play in European competitions. We expect him to strengthen our defensive line,” said Žalgiris sporting director Giedrius Klevinskas after the signing.
Outside England, Lupano has also previously played for Irish side Derry City, Greek second-tier club Kalamata and Belgian second-division team Royal Excelsior Virton before his successful spell in Moldova.
Vilnius Žalgiris currently sit seventh in the Toplyga standings after 15 rounds with 19 points. Despite an underwhelming start to the campaign, third-placed FK TransINVEST remain only six points ahead, keeping the European qualification race very much alive.
Lupano will officially become eligible to play for Žalgiris from June 15, when the Lithuanian summer transfer window formally opens and the defender can be registered.
Žalgiris return to league action on Sunday in one of the biggest fixtures of the Lithuanian season – the Žalgiris derby away against league leaders FK Kauno Žalgiris.
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/susitarta-su-gyneju-is-belgijos/
