Football Season Guide

AIK

In


Karol Mets (def) NAC Breda; Daniel Granli (def) Stabaek; Magnar Odegaard (def) Tromso; Anton Saletros (mid) Rostov – on loan; Saku Ylatupa (mid) Ajax U21; Chinedu Obasi (att) Elfsborg; Gustaf Lagerbielke (def) Sollentuna – end of loan;

Out


Alexander Milosevic (r) (def) Nottingham Forest; Kristoffer Olsson (r) (mid) Krasnodar; Robin Jansson (sp) (def) Orlando City; Haukur Heidar Hauksson (sp) (def) KA Akureyi; Denni Avdic (sp) (att) AFC Eskilstuna; Nicolas Stefanelli (sp) (att) Anorthosis – on loan; Daniel Mushitu (att) Vasalund – on loan; Samuel Brolin (gk) Vasalund – on loan; Christos Gravus (mid) Degerfors – on loan; Rickson Mansiamina (mid) released;

After winning the title last season now AIK will be eager to try and defend it. Coach Norling remained at the helm and this means that once again 3-5-2 will be the main formation, with the wide players regularly dropping deep to turn it into a back five when AIK find themselves under pressure. During the off season 2 regulars and several supporting players left, but the replacements that were signed were of good quality and AIK definitely have the experience and the depth to once again be aiming at trophies. This will be first full season for the wizard in midfield Sebastian Larsson and his wonderful set-piece skills suggest that just like in 2018 AIK will be scoring lots of goals from dead-ball deliveries or direct free-kicks. Saletros left AIK last summer to spend several months in Russia, but now he is back on loan and the very talented inner midfielder should only benefit from the experience of Larsson and his positive development is expected to continue. Very strong defence should be bringing lots of clean sheets once again as 3 new centre-backs were signed and AIK already had extremely solid back line anyway. Up front 34-year-old captain Goitom remains the main target man, but AIK hope that the hugely talented Elyounoussi will have much better luck with his health in 2019 and if he stays fit he could be the team’s top goalscorer and major weapon in attack.

Target


Look solidly built and will attempt to defend their title, but even if falling short should have enough in themselves to finish in the top 3.