Lions bid farewell to Martinovic, welcome Sandell - Martinovic departs from the Lions, Sandell steps in
Ivan Martinovic, the Croatian national team captain and a key player for Rhein-Neckar Lions, is set to join Hungarian top club Veszprém HC in a significant transfer that will shape the 2025/2026 handball season.
The transfer, not yet officially confirmed but widely reported as imminent, is part of a double signing that includes goalkeeper Mikael Appelgren also moving to Veszprém. The reported fee for both players is a high six-figure sum, with some sources suggesting it could approach one million euros, a record fee for Rhein-Neckar Lions and a substantial sum in handball transfer terms.
Martinovic, who was the Lions’ second-best scorer last season with 140 goals, will leave a critical gap in the Lions’ backcourt. To fill this void, the Lions have signed Swedish player Lukas Sandell, who previously played for Veszprém. Sandell has signed a one-year deal but is expected to move on to another club in 2026.
The Lions are also considering Jacob Lassen from HSV Hamburg as a longer-term replacement for Martinovic, but he would only be available on a free transfer in 2026. This transfer signals a challenging transition period for Rhein-Neckar Lions as they prepare for the new season under new coach Maik Machulla.
For Veszprém HC, acquiring Martinovic and Appelgren strengthens their squad significantly, enhancing their competitiveness at the highest European level. This deal highlights increasing financial muscle in Hungarian handball, capable of paying record fees and attracting top Bundesliga talents.
The exit of Martinovic weakens Rhein-Neckar Lions, one of the Bundesliga's top teams, and marks a loss of a key offensive weapon. The departure leaves a gap in the defense that is being temporarily filled by Sandell, who was previously under contract with Veszprém HC. Appelgren, a goalkeeper, has also left the Lions to join Veszprém.
The Rhein-Neckar Lions, based in Mannheim, will begin their season preparation on Wednesday. The club bid farewell to Appelgren at the end of last week.
In an effort to compensate for the departure of key player Ivan Martinovic, the Rhein-Neckar Lions are actively considering Jacob Lassen from HSV Hamburg as a potential long-term replacement, although his availability is not until 2026. Meanwhile, Martinovic's departure opens opportunities for sports enthusiasts in EC countries looking for high-quality vocational training in handball, as Veszprém HC prepares to benefit from his skills in the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
