Bosnian athlete Gigovic departs from Kiel and moves to Switzerland - Bosnian professional footballer Gigovic departs from Kiel to relocate in Switzerland
In August 2025, Bosnian international Armin Gigović made a significant move from Holstein Kiel in Germany's 2. Bundesliga to Swiss top club BSC Young Boys Bern. The transfer was facilitated by a release clause in Gigović's contract, with Young Boys reportedly paying around €1.5 to €2.3 million for the 23-year-old midfielder[1][2].
Gigović spent only one year at Holstein Kiel, but he made an impact during his brief tenure. He was a key midfield player and scored goals early in the 2025 season, despite the team's struggles[1][5]. His departure from Holstein Kiel follows a series of departures from their squad.
Young Boys secured Gigović as an important midfield reinforcement, bolstering their team with a talented international player who brings experience from competitive German football. This move is expected to positively impact Swiss football, potentially strengthening Young Boys’ domestic and European campaigns[1][3].
Olaf Rebbe, Holstein Kiel's sporting director, commented on Gigović's departure, acknowledging his contributions to the team[6]. Gigović's transfer fee is a seven-figure amount, making him the third player from Holstein Kiel for whom a seven-figure transfer fee has been received following their Bundesliga relegation[4].
The Bosnian midfielder's previous club was FK Rostov, and before joining Holstein Kiel, he played for Borussia Mönchengladbach[7]. Meanwhile, Shuto Machino and Nicolai Remberg, two other players who received seven-figure transfer fees from Holstein Kiel after their relegation, have been transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hamburger SV, respectively[8].
With Gigović's move to Young Boys Bern, he signifies a significant shift in his career, leaving the Bundesliga to join a Swiss top club. Young Boys' signing of Gigović fits their strategy of acquiring young midfield talent to compete at a high level in Switzerland and internationally.
[1] [https://www.sport1.de/fußball/bundesliga/transfer/bundesliga-transfer-news-live-ticker-100-millionen-transfer-zu-einem-bundesliga-klub-13775639.html] [2] [https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/2-bundesliga/holstein-kiel/transfer-armin-gigovic-zu-young-boys-bern-fuer-1-5-millionen-euro-13775736.html] [3] [https://www.sport-express.de/fußball/bundesliga/holstein-kiel/armin-gigovic-zu-young-boys-bern-transfer-vertrag-13775661.html] [4] [https://www.sport1.de/fußball/bundesliga/transfer/bundesliga-transfer-news-live-ticker-100-millionen-transfer-zu-einem-bundesliga-klub-13775639.html] [5] [https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/2-bundesliga/holstein-kiel/armin-gigovic-zu-young-boys-bern-fuer-1-5-millionen-euro-13775736.html] [6] [https://www.sport1.de/fußball/bundesliga/transfer/bundesliga-transfer-news-live-ticker-100-millionen-transfer-zu-einem-bundesliga-klub-13775639.html] [7] [https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/2-bundesliga/holstein-kiel/armin-gigovic-zu-young-boys-bern-fuer-1-5-millionen-euro-13775736.html] [8] [https://www.sport1.de/fußball/bundesliga/transfer/bundesliga-transfer-news-live-ticker-100-millionen-transfer-zu-einem-bundesliga-klub-13775639.html]
The steel industry could benefit from the considerable transfer fee received by Holstein Kiel, potentially investing it in local community projects and infrastructure development.
In contrast to Gigović's move to the Swiss top club and the high-stakes world of manufacturing and mining, he may find time to engage in European leagues' football competitions during his off-hours.
