Holstein Kiel bolsters its defense with Japanese defender Hiroki Sekine. The 23-year-old joins on loan from Stade Reims.

What happened?

Hiroki Sekine has already played three times for the Japanese national team and made a total of 51 appearances in the first and second leagues as well as the French Cup.

Why it matters

For Holstein Kiel, strengthening the defense is an important step to be successful in the 2. Bundesliga. With Hiroki Sekine, we gain a dynamic and strong outside defender, said Holstein Kiel's managing director Olaf Rebbe.

What comes next?

Holstein Kiel currently stands 12th in the 2. Bundesliga, 29 points behind leaders FC Schalke 04. The team has lost its last five games. | Date | League | Position | Points | Wins | Losses | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | June 26, 2026 | 2. Bundesliga | 12 | 41 | 11 | 15 |

The reinforcement of the defense with Hiroki Sekine could be an important step to end the current negative streak.