Lithuanian A Lyga runners-up FC Hegelmann have taken their first major steps of the offseason by appointing a new sporting director and confirming their first addition to the squad by signing goalkeeper Lukas Paukšte.
The club has turned to a familiar face, welcoming back Vytautas Masaitis as sporting director. The 42-year-old returns to Hegelmann after five years away, having played a crucial role in the club’s early development. During its rise from the lower divisions, Masaitis worked across multiple roles with the club as a manager and sporting director.
Following his initial departure, Masaitis remained closely involved in football, including a period working as a player agent. Most recently, he was part of FK Riteriai, where he joined in 2023 as an assistant coach before later moving into the sporting director position. He remained with the Vilnius-based club until April 2025.
Masaitis described his return as more than just another career move, likening it to coming back home. He noted that when he first left, Hegelmann were still a young club searching for direction, while today they are a stable organization with their own identity and infrastructure.
One of Masaitis’ immediate priorities will be appointing a new head coach. Hegelmann are currently without a manager following the departure of Andrius Skerla, who stepped down after five seasons in charge at the conclusion of the campaign.
Alongside the front-office changes, Hegelmann have also confirmed their first new player of the winter. Lukas Paukštė, a 27-year-old goalkeeper, arrives from FA Šiauliai to bolster the squad’s goalkeeping department.
Paukštė spent the last four seasons with Šiauliai, making 75 appearances in all competitions. Last season, however, he found himself behind first-choice goalkeeper Gustas Baliutavičius, who played every minute of the A Lyga campaign. Injury problems further limited Paukštė’s opportunities, and he did not appear in any official matches during the 2025 season.
The goalkeeper brings considerable top-flight experience, having also represented Utenis Utena, Jonava, Atlantas, and Riteriai during his career. In total, he has featured 125 times in Lithuania’s highest division.
Hegelmann’s offseason rebuild follows the departure of several important players, including both of last season’s goalkeepers. Vincentas Šarkauskas has moved to Žalgiris Vilnius, while Arijus Bražinskas has joined Lithuanian Cup holders FK Panevėžys.
Source: https://fchegelmann.com/pirmasis-fc-hegelmann-tarpsezonio-naujokas-vartininkas-lukas-paukste/
https://fchegelmann.com/v-masaitis-grizta-i-fc-hegelmann-taps-naujuoju-sporto-direktoriumi/
