As their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign continues, FK Kauno Žalgiris have bolstered their squad with another signing, announcing the arrival of Lirim Kastrati.
The 27-year-old right-back, who holds both Italian and Kosovan citizenship, joins the Lithuanian champions from Hungarian top-flight side Diósgyőri VTK (DVTK).
Kastrati left his native Kosovo at a young age to continue his football development in Italy. He first joined the Padova academy before spending six years in the youth system of Italian giants AS Roma. Prior to turning professional, he also spent two seasons with Bologna’s youth setup.
The defender began his senior career in Hungary in 2020, signing for Újpest FC, where he established himself over four seasons in the country’s top division.
He later moved to Poland to join Widzew Łódź, where he reunited with current Kauno Žalgiris head coach Željko Sopić. Following his spell in Poland, Kastrati spent six months without a club before returning to Hungary in the summer of 2025 to rejoin DVTK.
On the international stage, Kastrati represented Albania at youth level before switching allegiance to Kosovo. He has earned 15 senior caps for the Kosovo national team and remains part of the country’s player pool.
At Kauno Žalgiris, Kastrati will wear the No. 62 shirt as he looks to help the Lithuanian champions in both their domestic campaign and European journey.
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/fk-kauno-zalgirio-gretose-kosovo-rinktines-gynejas
