Holstein Kiel announced on 26 June 2026 that Georgian international striker Giorgi Kwilitaia has signed a contract until 30 June 2027. The 32‑year‑old arrives from French relegated side FC Metz and is expected to revitalize the Storks' attack.

What does the signing mean for the squad?

Kwilitaias profile is classic: 44 caps, strong aerial ability and physical robustness. Sports director Olaf Rebbe highlighted that the player brings “enormous presence in the box” and leadership experience. For a team currently sitting 12th in the 2. Bundesliga with 41 points and a recent run of five straight defeats (LLWWW), this could be a turning point.

How does he fit into the current roster?

Alongside Kwilitaia, Japanese loanees Taisei Abe and Hiroki Sekine have already been introduced. Missing are national team members like Alexander Bernhardsson (Sweden) and David Zec (Slovenia), still on international duty. Coach Tim Walter plans to raise competition at every position, hoping to reverse the slump – the first friendly against Danish 2. Division side FC Fredericia is scheduled for Saturday.

What are the club’s objectives for the season?

Walter stayed vague about exact league targets, but midfielder Jonas Meffert expressed the desire to “finish better than last season”. After a relegation the previous year and now sitting 12th with 44 goals scored and 48 conceded (‑4 goal difference), the team trails league leaders FC Schalke 04 by 29 points. The most recent official result was a 2‑1 loss to Dynamo Dresden on 17 May 2026.

What can fans expect from the upcoming preparation?

Fans saw Kwilitaia at the Gettorf training start, where nearly 500 spectators kicked off the new campaign. Rebbe promised that the seasoned striker will add not only goals but also mental strength. The Storks aim to grow together as a unit and as individuals in the coming weeks – a process Walter believes can only succeed through higher quality and more competition across the squad.