Football Season Guide

Elfsborg

In


Melker Uppenberg (gk) Eskilstuna; André Boman (mid) Varbergs; Gustaf Lagerbielke (def) Degerfors – end of loan; Kevin Holmén (mid) Skovde – end of loan; Jack Cooper-Love (att) Skovde – end of loan;

Out


Leo Väisänen (r) (def) Austin FC; Rasmus Alm (r) (att) St. Louis City; Maudo Jarjué (sp) (def) Slovan Bratislava; Prince Isaac Kouame (mid) Brattvag; Oscar Aga (att) Rosenborg;

During a difficult 2022 Elfsborg eventually found form from September onwards. This was the main reason why they finished last season in 6th place, they won all of their last 4 games. However, the general form was poor and for many months the lack of goals hurt the results. Considering that in 2021 Elfsborg missed out on the title right at the end this was a serious step backwards. The off-season had been pretty dismal so far. Elfsborg sold 2 regulars to MLS teams – centre-back Väisänen and forward Alm. Coach Thelin is yet to replace either with the only notable winter arrival so far the versatile wide midfielder Boman. Considering that Jarjue also left, Elfsborg are short on centre-backs right now. This is why many expect to see late moves on the transfer market from the team. As things stand Holmen, the prone to injuries Henriksson, and the returning from a loan Lagerbielke are the only centre-backs. Thelin is not likely to change his tactics much. He doesn’t need to worry about chemistry either as group is pretty much the same as last season. Winger Bernhardsson, attacking midfielder Baidoo and inner midfielder Boateng played key roles during the strong late run in 2022. All 3 are now expected to be heavily involved. Also, hopes are that after a disappointing last campaign the 20-year-old winger Ondrejka will have much stronger campaign this time around. Also, with too many of the important players prone to injury issues, the health of the group will have to be monitored constantly.

Target


Elfsborg don’t seem to have the finances or the ambitions to challenge for more than another comfortable mid-table finish. A top 6 spot is the main target.