It is Official! Slovenian opposite Tonček Štern will continue his career with Turkish team Ziraat Bankası. The top-tier Ankara club successfully negotiated his transfer from Olympiacos, his current team, which he was contracted with until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Štern, who will turn 29 in November, began his international career in the 2016/17 season with Italy’s Verona. He then moved to Top Volley Latina and subsequently played for Poland’s BKS Visła Bydgoszcz and Turkey’s Halkbank Ankara. After a stint in Italy with Padova and Piacenza, he spent the last two seasons with Olympiacos, where he won multiple titles, including the Greek Championship.
The Turkish club was drawn to Štern’s impressive performances this season, notably his standout play in the Nations League and the Paris Olympics. His transfer marks a significant move for Ziraat Bankası, which secured third place in the Turkish league and cup last season and won the Turkish Super Cup.
Štern expressed heartfelt gratitude to Olympiacos, stating, “The decision to leave was incredibly difficult. Olympiacos will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thankful for the love and support I received and wish the club the best for its centenary year. I hope our paths cross again in the future.”
Olympiacos has announced Serbian player Aleksandar Atanasijević as Štern’s replacement.
