Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris have strengthened their squad once again by signing highly rated teenage goalkeeper Joris Aliukonis from their biggest rivals FK Žalgiris Vilnius on a long-term contract.
The 19-year-old shot-stopper is a product of the Vilnius Žalgiris academy but never made his competitive debut for the senior team. Standing at an imposing 202 cm, Aliukonis spent much of the recent season sidelined through injury, limiting him to just eight appearances for Žalgiris B in Lithuania’s second tier, Pirma Lyga.
Despite the lack of first-team exposure, Kauno Žalgiris see significant potential in the young goalkeeper, who has represented Lithuania at multiple youth international levels, from U-15 through to U-19.
Aliukonis admitted the move comes with high expectations, joining a newly crowned championship-winning side:
“It will be a big challenge to join a fresh title-winning club. It’s also a great honor to work again with Audrius Ramonas – an excellent coach from whom I’ve already learned a lot, and I’m sure I’ll learn even more.
I’ve also worked with Eivinas before – he’s a great person and an even better specialist. My decision was strongly influenced by the conditions in Kaunas – the infrastructure, the stadium, and of course the coaching staff. I can’t wait to begin.”
Aliukonis becomes the third player to swap Vilnius for Kaunas in recent times, following defender Joris Moutachy and Lithuania international Motiejus Burba, who have also joined the reigning champions earlier in the window.
