The last minutes signings
AIK came with their long awaited announcement that Australia's Lisa De Vanna has signed a contract with the Stockholm side. De Vanna, who has 48 caps for Australia and was on FIFA's shortlist for Player of the Year as well as on the All Star Team in the World Cup last year, joined her new club at their training camp in Germany and impressed greatly as she scored both goals in AIK's win over Bundesliga top side Duisburg. AIK's sport director Peter Johansson says that De Vanna is just what they have been looking for and he hopes and believes that she will be an attraction in Damallsvenskan.
AIK: Lisa De Vanna klar för AIK!
AIK also signed De Vanna's Australia teammate Kate Gill, a 23 years old forward with 25 goals in 44 matches for the Matildas. Gill makes up an interesting striking partner to the "pocket rocket" De Vanna, as she is 180 cm tall. Gill also joined the team in Germany and played against Duisburg.
AIK: AIK värvar Kathryn Gill
With this piling up of foreign forwards, AIK's Freja Egebrant made the decision to take an offer to play for her old club IFK Gävle in the 1st division. Egebrant, who played 19 matches for AIK last year, will play with Gävle until the next transfer window opens in July. She and AIK, that wants to keep her, will then re-evaluate the situation.
Gävle Dagblad: Freja tillbaka i IFK
Bälinge 21 years old full-back Linn Fors, capped at youth level, has decided to leave her club and join 1st division side Bollstanäs SK (the club where former national team midfielder Linda Fagerström still is playing retirement football).
Damfotboll.com: Bälingespelare till Bollstanäs
Newcomers Kristianstad has reinforced their squad with two late signings. First Scotland international Ifeoma Dieke, who as earlier predicted here, signed a six month contract and will arrive April 12. The second new player is American Kia McNeill, a college player with national youth team experience, that just like Dieke can play both attack and defense. McNeill is currently at Boston College and will join the team after graduation in May, also on a six month contract. Tanja Pihlblad, an old Kristianstad player who has worked as a college coach in New England, has helped in the scouting and also been in touch with USA youth national team coach Tony di Ciccio about McNeill.
Kristianstadsbladet: McNeal och Dieke förstärker
And these signings has been official for quite some time, but it has been reported that both Umeå Södra's Jennifer Nobis and Sunnanå's Perpetua Nkwocha now has arrived to their clubs. It's getting close to kick-off time!
AIK: Lisa De Vanna klar för AIK!
AIK also signed De Vanna's Australia teammate Kate Gill, a 23 years old forward with 25 goals in 44 matches for the Matildas. Gill makes up an interesting striking partner to the "pocket rocket" De Vanna, as she is 180 cm tall. Gill also joined the team in Germany and played against Duisburg.
AIK: AIK värvar Kathryn Gill
With this piling up of foreign forwards, AIK's Freja Egebrant made the decision to take an offer to play for her old club IFK Gävle in the 1st division. Egebrant, who played 19 matches for AIK last year, will play with Gävle until the next transfer window opens in July. She and AIK, that wants to keep her, will then re-evaluate the situation.
Gävle Dagblad: Freja tillbaka i IFK
Bälinge 21 years old full-back Linn Fors, capped at youth level, has decided to leave her club and join 1st division side Bollstanäs SK (the club where former national team midfielder Linda Fagerström still is playing retirement football).
Damfotboll.com: Bälingespelare till Bollstanäs
Newcomers Kristianstad has reinforced their squad with two late signings. First Scotland international Ifeoma Dieke, who as earlier predicted here, signed a six month contract and will arrive April 12. The second new player is American Kia McNeill, a college player with national youth team experience, that just like Dieke can play both attack and defense. McNeill is currently at Boston College and will join the team after graduation in May, also on a six month contract. Tanja Pihlblad, an old Kristianstad player who has worked as a college coach in New England, has helped in the scouting and also been in touch with USA youth national team coach Tony di Ciccio about McNeill.
Kristianstadsbladet: McNeal och Dieke förstärker
And these signings has been official for quite some time, but it has been reported that both Umeå Södra's Jennifer Nobis and Sunnanå's Perpetua Nkwocha now has arrived to their clubs. It's getting close to kick-off time!
Late signing by Kristianstad
With only a couple of days before the transfer window closes, Kristianstads DFF has reached an agreement with Scotland international Ifeoma Dieke to join the club for the 2008 season. Sport director Ulf Berglund commented that "we have been working on this since the stone ages", but stressed that the club has been very careful when they have been looking at prospective players. The 27 years defender Dieke, with experience from WUSA and Damallsvenskan, comes highly recommended from Scotland's assistant coach Ann-Helen Grahm, who is an old aquaintance of Berglund since she coached Stattena in the Swedish 1st division. In particular her recent performance in the Cyprus Cup impressed.
Kristianstad have also been looking for a second international player. They were in close talks with the promising young American forward Tiffany Weimer, but it came to nought. The most probable signing is now a defensive American player with experience from the USA U21 team.
Norra Skåne: Landslagsspelare till KDFF
Kristianstadsbladet: KDFF förstärker med två utländska spelare
Kristianstad have also been looking for a second international player. They were in close talks with the promising young American forward Tiffany Weimer, but it came to nought. The most probable signing is now a defensive American player with experience from the USA U21 team.
Norra Skåne: Landslagsspelare till KDFF
Kristianstadsbladet: KDFF förstärker med två utländska spelare
Young player signings
Kristianstad's young back-up goalkeeper Emelie Karström has, after much deliberation, agreed to join the Finnish league's Åland United.
Kristianstadsbladet: Emelie Karström flyttar till Åland
LDB FC Malmö has signed a four year contract with their promising defender Emelie Ölander. Ölander, a home-grown player, is on Sweden's U-19 team and appeared in 8 Damallsvenskan matches last year.
Skånska dagbladet: Backtalang stannar i LDB FC i fyra år
Umeå IK's Mami Yamaguchi talks in an interview with a local newspaper about how she was signed. She had been in contact with the club for some time, but came as a surprise when Umeå coach Andrée Jeglertz mailed her in February, saying that he had an injured player and needed Maia to replace her. Maia reveals that everyone - father, coach, teammates and even her own common sense - advised against leaving college. But she couldn't resist the feeling that she wanted to play with Umeå: "My dream has always been to play football professionally".
Västerbottens Folkblad: En dröm har blivit verklighet
Kristianstadsbladet: Emelie Karström flyttar till Åland
LDB FC Malmö has signed a four year contract with their promising defender Emelie Ölander. Ölander, a home-grown player, is on Sweden's U-19 team and appeared in 8 Damallsvenskan matches last year.
Skånska dagbladet: Backtalang stannar i LDB FC i fyra år
Umeå IK's Mami Yamaguchi talks in an interview with a local newspaper about how she was signed. She had been in contact with the club for some time, but came as a surprise when Umeå coach Andrée Jeglertz mailed her in February, saying that he had an injured player and needed Maia to replace her. Maia reveals that everyone - father, coach, teammates and even her own common sense - advised against leaving college. But she couldn't resist the feeling that she wanted to play with Umeå: "My dream has always been to play football professionally".
Västerbottens Folkblad: En dröm har blivit verklighet
Daniela and Cristiane arrived in Linköping
Cristiane arrived at Linköping on March 6 and together with her Brazilian teammate Daniela she was greeted by just about everything Linköping has to offer in press and TV. They got their match jerseys and said the obligatory phrases about helping their new team to success. They both also stressed how good it is that they are two - they know each other well both off and on the football field.
STV: Linköpings brassor på plats (video)
Corren: Stjärnorna på plats i Linköping (video)
In other player news, newcomers Kristianstad's third goalkeeper Emelie Karström will most probably leave the club. She has an offer from local 1st division side Vittsjö and has also played a couple of friendlies for Kristianstad's Finnish cooperation club Åland United, last season's number 4 in the Finnish premier.
Kristianstadsbladet: Emelie Karström funderar på Åland eller Vittsjö
And the American goalkeeper Laura Boyer, who was on trial with Kopparbergs/Göteborg earlier this year, seems to have agreed on a professional contract with former Damallsvenskan side Qbik. The three Americans Hope Siffert, Shana Chibidakis and Erin Morrison, who all tried out for Hammarby a couple of weeks ago, might also find a place in the 1st division club, but they need to figure out the finances first. After the relegation from Damallsvenskan, Qbik can't afford to offer them all the kind of deal Boyer will get.
Värmlands Folkblad: Amerikanska kan lösa Qbik:s målvaktskris
There will by the way be at least three north american goalkeepers in the Swedish 1st division this season. Qbik's former goalie Maria Yatrakis has, as I've reported here earlier, signed with Jitex and Canadian former U21 player Jessica Hussey, who played Swedish 2nd divison last year, moves clubs to ex-Damallsvenskan Mallbacken. Jitex and Mallbacken are two of the favourites to win the race for promotion to Damallsvenskan this season.
Nya Wermlandstidningen: Jessica Hussey har landat hos MIF
Kristianstad looking at American players
Newcomers Kristianstad is looking to strengthen their team with two American players. There are four offensive players, one of them having played in Sweden before, that they are investigating, but they will only sign two.
Sport director Ulf Berglund doesn't want to mention any names, afraid that someone with a bigger wallet could step in, but all four have experience "from different national teams" and they have been in touch with USA national team coach Pia Sundhage regarding the players. A decision will probably not come until after a few more weeks, as Kristianstad wants do inform themselves well enough not to make any mistakes.
Kristianstadsbladet: KDFF jagar spelare i USA
Sought-after defender Linnea Gjersvold will not change clubs to Umeå Södra FF. Her club Piteå IF, one of the top sides in the 1st division last year, didn't want to release her and Umeå Södra probably didn't want to pay what it would take to buy her contract.
Damfotboll.com: Inget allsvenskt spel för Gjersvold
Sport director Ulf Berglund doesn't want to mention any names, afraid that someone with a bigger wallet could step in, but all four have experience "from different national teams" and they have been in touch with USA national team coach Pia Sundhage regarding the players. A decision will probably not come until after a few more weeks, as Kristianstad wants do inform themselves well enough not to make any mistakes.
Kristianstadsbladet: KDFF jagar spelare i USA
Sought-after defender Linnea Gjersvold will not change clubs to Umeå Södra FF. Her club Piteå IF, one of the top sides in the 1st division last year, didn't want to release her and Umeå Södra probably didn't want to pay what it would take to buy her contract.
Damfotboll.com: Inget allsvenskt spel för Gjersvold
Two new Americans to Bälinge
Bälinge has completed their North American recruiting. Sport director Conny Sjöberg could today announce the agreements with Noelle Keselica and Natalie Spilger. They will both join Bälinge on 6 months contracts, arriving in late March.
Former Bälinge player Kacey White and their week-old signing Joanna Lohman has helped out assessing possible players and both of them has played together with Keselica and Spliger before.
Noelle Keselica is the most merited of the two, a 24 years old midfielder, who was in Pia Sundhage's US national team "mega-camp" a few weeks ago, but just as Lohman (and unlike White), she got released. Keselica has experience from USA U21 and played her club football with Washington Freedom, just like Lohman. She is described as an all-round player, more the assisting than the scoring type.
Natalie Spilger is the lesser known. She is a 26 years old defender, picked to replace Linda Sembrant, and has played college soccer at Stanford. She was also on the USA U21 team that won Nordic Cup on Iceland 2003 and both Lohman and White had good things to say about her.
Sjöberg said that it was "important, extremely important" that these last signings came through. As he also has completed the signing of young left back Julia Bhy from 2nd division side Ornäs, the roster is now almost set. Except for a back-up goalkeeper.
Upsala Nya Tidning: Två nya amerikanskor till Bälinge
AIk announced that they have signed 17 year old midfielder Emelie Karlsson-Wedin from their cooperation club Brommapojkarna. Karlsson-Wedin appeared in all four of AIK's training matches this year and sport director Peter Johansson is certain that she will see Damallsvenskan action already this season.
AIK: Emelie Karlsson-Wedin klar för AIK
Former Bälinge player Kacey White and their week-old signing Joanna Lohman has helped out assessing possible players and both of them has played together with Keselica and Spliger before.
Noelle Keselica is the most merited of the two, a 24 years old midfielder, who was in Pia Sundhage's US national team "mega-camp" a few weeks ago, but just as Lohman (and unlike White), she got released. Keselica has experience from USA U21 and played her club football with Washington Freedom, just like Lohman. She is described as an all-round player, more the assisting than the scoring type.
Natalie Spilger is the lesser known. She is a 26 years old defender, picked to replace Linda Sembrant, and has played college soccer at Stanford. She was also on the USA U21 team that won Nordic Cup on Iceland 2003 and both Lohman and White had good things to say about her.
Sjöberg said that it was "important, extremely important" that these last signings came through. As he also has completed the signing of young left back Julia Bhy from 2nd division side Ornäs, the roster is now almost set. Except for a back-up goalkeeper.
Upsala Nya Tidning: Två nya amerikanskor till Bälinge
AIk announced that they have signed 17 year old midfielder Emelie Karlsson-Wedin from their cooperation club Brommapojkarna. Karlsson-Wedin appeared in all four of AIK's training matches this year and sport director Peter Johansson is certain that she will see Damallsvenskan action already this season.
AIK: Emelie Karlsson-Wedin klar för AIK
Umeå signs Japanese talent
Local daily Västerbottens Folkblad reveals that Umeå IK has tied the very promising Japanese offensive midfielder/attacker Mami Yamaguchi to the club. She has signed a one year deal and will join the team at their training camp in Turkey, March 15-22.
The 21 year old japanese has played college soccer for Florida State the last three years and says it was a tough decision to make to leave school and teammates after only three of the four colllege years.
"But playing for Umeå is a huge opportunity", she explains.
Her coach in Florida, Mark Krikorian, says that she has great ball skills and eye for the game and has developed her speed and physical game the last years. Yamaguchi was recently awarded the MAC Hermann Trophy for best college player of the year.
Unlike last year's Asian signing Ma Xiaou, Umeå has actually seen Mami Yamaguchi play before she joins the club. Manager Roland Arnqvist watched her play last fall when he spent some time vacationing and scouting in Florida and has kept in touch since.
Västerbottens Folkblad: Japanska till Umeå IK
Lisa De Vanna offered contract by AIK
"If a player scores four goals in a match, it is hard to find anything to complain about" said a smiling Peter Johansson, AIK's sport director, after Lisa De Vanna's performance in the friendly against HJK Helsinki last Sunday.
AIK's scoring problems from last year has continued in the early training matches, but De Vanna seems very much to be what they need. "We have been watching her for some time", says Johansson, "and we have been in regular contact the last months". They finally agreed it would be good for De Vanna to come to Stockholm to see what Sweden and Swedish football is like.
Lisa De Vanna will return to Australia within short, but she will have a contract proposal with her. "Of course we hope she'll sign" says Peter Johansson, "but it's a big step to move here from Australia so we're giving her some time to think it over".
Dagens Nyheter: Australiens superstjärna kan hamna i AIK
AIK's scoring problems from last year has continued in the early training matches, but De Vanna seems very much to be what they need. "We have been watching her for some time", says Johansson, "and we have been in regular contact the last months". They finally agreed it would be good for De Vanna to come to Stockholm to see what Sweden and Swedish football is like.
Lisa De Vanna will return to Australia within short, but she will have a contract proposal with her. "Of course we hope she'll sign" says Peter Johansson, "but it's a big step to move here from Australia so we're giving her some time to think it over".
Dagens Nyheter: Australiens superstjärna kan hamna i AIK
Lisa De Vanna to AIK?!
Australia's leading World Cup goalscorer Lisa De Vanna will suit up for AIK when they meet HJK Helsinki in a friendly tomorrow, Sunday. That's about all the club's website has to say, but they promise more information on Monday.
I don't know if this is just a test or an actual signing, but if they have signed/will sign De Vanna, I would say that's just about what the football doctor ordered. AIK's dismal scoring record was what kept them walking the relegation line the entire last season and no one they have signed since has any great finishing qualities. Lisa De Vanna has. She's got great speed, she is reasonable good with the ball and she knows where the goal is. The 23 year old scored 4 goals for Australia in the World Cup and was named in the World Cup All Star Team. Her major down-side is that she rarely plays an entire 90 minutes for Australia, but usually comes in as a second half substitute. If this is a fitness issue, AIK must try to amend that. They can't afford to use her only 50 % of the time.
AIK: AIK mot HJK på söndag - Lisa DeVanna med i startelvan
I don't know if this is just a test or an actual signing, but if they have signed/will sign De Vanna, I would say that's just about what the football doctor ordered. AIK's dismal scoring record was what kept them walking the relegation line the entire last season and no one they have signed since has any great finishing qualities. Lisa De Vanna has. She's got great speed, she is reasonable good with the ball and she knows where the goal is. The 23 year old scored 4 goals for Australia in the World Cup and was named in the World Cup All Star Team. Her major down-side is that she rarely plays an entire 90 minutes for Australia, but usually comes in as a second half substitute. If this is a fitness issue, AIK must try to amend that. They can't afford to use her only 50 % of the time.
AIK: AIK mot HJK på söndag - Lisa DeVanna med i startelvan
White breaks contract with Bälinge
USA international Kacey White, who signed a one year deal with Bälinge only a couple of months ago, has let the club know that she is breaking the contract. White decided to accept a national team contract for the rest of the 2008 season, that she was offered by US national team coach Pia Sundhage.
"I'm not shocked, but a bit surprised", commented Bälinge's sport director Conny Sjöberg. White had a clause in her contract with Bälinge, that allowed her to break the contract if the opportunity to play for the USA national team would arise. But since she wasn't picked for the US team going to Algarve, Sjöberg had hoped she would come to Sweden. "She chose to take this chance and we are now working on finding a replacement for her", Sjöberg continues.
The club is looking for a player, an offensive midfielder or attacker, that will complement Joanna Lohman, who agreed to join the club after being released from the US national team a few days ago. They are mainly looking in the environment around the US national team and are assisted by Lohman in the search. Sjöberg also confirmes that he has reached an agreement with an American defender with USA U21 experience. A contract will be signed within short, but until then Sjöberg wants to keep the players name under wraps.
Upsala Nya Tidning: White bryter med Bälinge
"I'm not shocked, but a bit surprised", commented Bälinge's sport director Conny Sjöberg. White had a clause in her contract with Bälinge, that allowed her to break the contract if the opportunity to play for the USA national team would arise. But since she wasn't picked for the US team going to Algarve, Sjöberg had hoped she would come to Sweden. "She chose to take this chance and we are now working on finding a replacement for her", Sjöberg continues.
The club is looking for a player, an offensive midfielder or attacker, that will complement Joanna Lohman, who agreed to join the club after being released from the US national team a few days ago. They are mainly looking in the environment around the US national team and are assisted by Lohman in the search. Sjöberg also confirmes that he has reached an agreement with an American defender with USA U21 experience. A contract will be signed within short, but until then Sjöberg wants to keep the players name under wraps.
Upsala Nya Tidning: White bryter med Bälinge
Slightly confusing Umeå Södra transfer news
Newly promoted side Umeå Södra continues to try to reinforce their team as they prepare for their first Damallsvenskan season ever. So far they have found a couple of Finnish national team players and an American forward, who impressed in Sweden's second tier last year.
Last week the club announced the transfer of 22 year old defender Linnea Gjersvold from 1st division side Piteå, a player with Damallsvenskan experience from Sunnanå and 15 matches for Sweden youth teams. Only, Gjersvold is under contract with Piteå for the 2008 season. Piteå consider her a key player in the team and they have so far not been approached by the Umeå club. Seems like the announcement was a bit premature?
Next, an American midfielder will arrive at the club for a try-out after the weekend. She is called Maya Tucker and comes from the US college scene, which is about all they know about her. When I google her name, I get absolutely nothing, which is really strange since even moderately successful college players are easy to find on the internet. Name confusion?
And then there was this rumour about a Brazilian midfielder/forward. Just the word Brazilian pulls a lot of weight over here, but it seems like we're not talking about the national team here. Umeå Södra's sport director Ola Carlén tries to damp the enthusiasm. The player is currently studying in the USA, and might move to Sweden with her family later this year.
All in all, not that much.
Västerbottens Folkblad: Mittback från Piteå till Umeå Södra
Västerbottenskuriren: Klart att Linnea Gjersvold kommer till Södra, Umeå Södra jagar brasse
Damfotboll.com: Piteå IF kan tappa Linnea Gjersvold
Last week the club announced the transfer of 22 year old defender Linnea Gjersvold from 1st division side Piteå, a player with Damallsvenskan experience from Sunnanå and 15 matches for Sweden youth teams. Only, Gjersvold is under contract with Piteå for the 2008 season. Piteå consider her a key player in the team and they have so far not been approached by the Umeå club. Seems like the announcement was a bit premature?
Next, an American midfielder will arrive at the club for a try-out after the weekend. She is called Maya Tucker and comes from the US college scene, which is about all they know about her. When I google her name, I get absolutely nothing, which is really strange since even moderately successful college players are easy to find on the internet. Name confusion?
And then there was this rumour about a Brazilian midfielder/forward. Just the word Brazilian pulls a lot of weight over here, but it seems like we're not talking about the national team here. Umeå Södra's sport director Ola Carlén tries to damp the enthusiasm. The player is currently studying in the USA, and might move to Sweden with her family later this year.
All in all, not that much.
Västerbottens Folkblad: Mittback från Piteå till Umeå Södra
Västerbottenskuriren: Klart att Linnea Gjersvold kommer till Södra, Umeå Södra jagar brasse
Damfotboll.com: Piteå IF kan tappa Linnea Gjersvold
Bälinge to sign another USA international
"Our biggest signing since Anne Mäkinen", comments a happy Conny Sjöberg, Bälinge's sport director. The player he is talking about is Joanna Lohman, a 26 years old midfielder with 9 caps for USA. She was released from the USA national team camp only last week and was encouraged by USA coach Pia Sundhage to take the offer from Bälinge as a way to keep sharp in case she will be called up again. She will pair up with fellow American Kacey White on Bälinge's midfield, playing in a kind of Mäkinen position if Sjöberg's plans works out.
The actual paperwork isn't finalized yet, but Sjöberg says they have a verbal agreement. Lohman will arrive in Uppsala in early April and stay for six months. Bälinge will use the tax exemptions such an "artist contract" gives in Sweden to be able to afford her. "She is not the kind of player you give an au-pair contract".
Bälinge also investigated the possibilities to get back Finnish forward Sanna Talonen for the summer months. But Talonen, who studies and plays football for a Florida university, didn't want to risk her college eligibility. The strict amateur rules in USA college football only allows amateur contracts, and unlike last year such contracts are no longer allowed for players in Damallsvenskan.
Upsala Nya Tidning: Landslagsmeriterad amerikanska ersätter Mäkinen
The actual paperwork isn't finalized yet, but Sjöberg says they have a verbal agreement. Lohman will arrive in Uppsala in early April and stay for six months. Bälinge will use the tax exemptions such an "artist contract" gives in Sweden to be able to afford her. "She is not the kind of player you give an au-pair contract".
Bälinge also investigated the possibilities to get back Finnish forward Sanna Talonen for the summer months. But Talonen, who studies and plays football for a Florida university, didn't want to risk her college eligibility. The strict amateur rules in USA college football only allows amateur contracts, and unlike last year such contracts are no longer allowed for players in Damallsvenskan.
Upsala Nya Tidning: Landslagsmeriterad amerikanska ersätter Mäkinen
Göteborg (finally) finds a goalkeeper
Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC has been searching for a new goalkeeper since Maria Edman left for Damallsvenskan newcomers Kristianstads DFF in November last year. After having more than one prospect trying out for them, they have finally decided. Jenny Olsson, back-up keeper in Malmö for several years and last year temping for Hedvig Lindahl in Linköping during her injury, have been signed by the club. From what Göteborg's statement on their website sounds like, the Sweden U21 merited keeper is not necessarily signed as first keeper, but will have to compete with Sandra Bjurteg for the starting position.
Göteborg FC: Ny målvakt klar för KGFC
Göteborg FC: Ny målvakt klar för KGFC
Linköping signs Cristiane and Daniela
Linköpings FC today announced, proudly, that they have succeeded in signing two Brazilian World Cup players, the 22 years old forward Cristiane and the 24 years old midfielder Daniela. Both players are signed on five month contracts, arriving in March and staying with the team until the long break for the Olympics start in early July.
Club manager Anders Mäki is very pleased that Linköping has been able to tie the two world class players to the team: "It's great to be able to offer two colourful world class stars to our fans and partners. Hopefully this will take the team another step towards the top." He adds that the deal with the two players isn't cheap, but doesn't cost more than it would have been to sign a one year deal with a big Swedish star like Lotta Schelin.
Linköping has been hunting for a big name player for so many years now, that I was on the verge naming them the proverbial car-chasing dog of Swedish football - a lot of running and barking but nothing to show for it. but unlike the dog I think they actually knows what to do when they finally caught something. And it is probably more Daniela than Cristiane they really need - they already have a lot of good forwards, but they have been missing a quality offensive midfielder since forever.
Corren: LFC värvar brasilianska världsstjärnor
Linköping FC: Cristiane och Daniela till LFC
SVT: Video interview with Linköping's manager
And, while we're at it, a rumour from Brazil wants us to believe that Umeå is negotiating with Brazil's experienced midfielder Formiga and already have made a contract offer. Formiga isn't a stranger to Sweden (she played in Malmö 2004-2005) and she should be a good replacement for Elaine during her rehabilitation from her knee injury, so it's not out of the blue. But only a few days ago the same agent, Daniel Freire, talked about negotiations with AIK and Djurgården.
And then Umeå denies this in the local paper Västerbottens Folkblad. Umeå were ready to give her a proposal, says the newspaper, but Formiga is under contract with a Brazilian club and Umeå were not up to paying the USD 10,000 a transfer would cost.
We will probably see more like this before the Swedish transfer window finally close March 31.
Dagens Nyheter: Formiga på gång till Umeå
Västerbottens Folkblad: Formiga för dyr för UIK
Club manager Anders Mäki is very pleased that Linköping has been able to tie the two world class players to the team: "It's great to be able to offer two colourful world class stars to our fans and partners. Hopefully this will take the team another step towards the top." He adds that the deal with the two players isn't cheap, but doesn't cost more than it would have been to sign a one year deal with a big Swedish star like Lotta Schelin.
Linköping has been hunting for a big name player for so many years now, that I was on the verge naming them the proverbial car-chasing dog of Swedish football - a lot of running and barking but nothing to show for it. but unlike the dog I think they actually knows what to do when they finally caught something. And it is probably more Daniela than Cristiane they really need - they already have a lot of good forwards, but they have been missing a quality offensive midfielder since forever.
Corren: LFC värvar brasilianska världsstjärnor
Linköping FC: Cristiane och Daniela till LFC
SVT: Video interview with Linköping's manager
And, while we're at it, a rumour from Brazil wants us to believe that Umeå is negotiating with Brazil's experienced midfielder Formiga and already have made a contract offer. Formiga isn't a stranger to Sweden (she played in Malmö 2004-2005) and she should be a good replacement for Elaine during her rehabilitation from her knee injury, so it's not out of the blue. But only a few days ago the same agent, Daniel Freire, talked about negotiations with AIK and Djurgården.
And then Umeå denies this in the local paper Västerbottens Folkblad. Umeå were ready to give her a proposal, says the newspaper, but Formiga is under contract with a Brazilian club and Umeå were not up to paying the USD 10,000 a transfer would cost.
We will probably see more like this before the Swedish transfer window finally close March 31.
Dagens Nyheter: Formiga på gång till Umeå
Västerbottens Folkblad: Formiga för dyr för UIK
Cristiane close to signing for Linköping
Brazilian star attacker Cristiane is close to signing with Linköpings FC, according to reports in several Brazilian newssites yesterday. Only minor details in the contract are left to sort out, the Brazilian news says, quoting Cristiane's agent Fabiano Farah. The contract should be signed within a few weeks.
Linköping chairman Christer Mård confirms that the club has presented Cristiane with a contract offer and that they are close to an greement. "It will not be a cheap contract", says Mård, but it is financially viable. Initially it will be for the first half of the season, until the league goes on a break for the Olympics in July and August.
Corren: Storstjärna nära Linköping
The Brazilian newssite UOL Esporte also mentiones that in addition to Cristiane, Linköping is also talking to midfielder Daniela. And both AIK and Djurgården are reported to be interested in signing the tenacious midfielder Formiga, even if Formiga shouldn't be available until after the Olympics.
UOL Esporte: Daniela Alves e Cristiane próximas de se tornarem rivais de Marta
Linköping chairman Christer Mård confirms that the club has presented Cristiane with a contract offer and that they are close to an greement. "It will not be a cheap contract", says Mård, but it is financially viable. Initially it will be for the first half of the season, until the league goes on a break for the Olympics in July and August.
Corren: Storstjärna nära Linköping
The Brazilian newssite UOL Esporte also mentiones that in addition to Cristiane, Linköping is also talking to midfielder Daniela. And both AIK and Djurgården are reported to be interested in signing the tenacious midfielder Formiga, even if Formiga shouldn't be available until after the Olympics.
UOL Esporte: Daniela Alves e Cristiane próximas de se tornarem rivais de Marta
Umeå Södra signs American forward
Umeå Södra has signed the young American forward Jennifer Nobis, in view of the rumours the last weeks not a very surprising move. She is not an unfamiliar face to Södra's management. They know Nobis from last fall, when she played for Danmarks IF in the same 1st division as Umeå Södra. She was an important part of Danmark's successful season finish, scoring 7 goals in 9 matches and putting her team in competition with Umeå Södra for the promotion to Damallsvenskan. Her new coach Jörgen Åström says that he is extremely pleased with his new signing.
Before Nobis moved to Sweden, she played college soccer for University of Missouri and club soccer with River Cities in WPSL. She will join Umeå Södra in late March and is signed on an "artist contract", a contract that gives foreign players great tax benefits as long as they don't stay in Sweden for more than 6 months.
Västerbottenskuriren: Umeå Södra värvar amerikanskt
Västerbottens Folkblad: Jennifer Nobis till Södra
Before Nobis moved to Sweden, she played college soccer for University of Missouri and club soccer with River Cities in WPSL. She will join Umeå Södra in late March and is signed on an "artist contract", a contract that gives foreign players great tax benefits as long as they don't stay in Sweden for more than 6 months.
Västerbottenskuriren: Umeå Södra värvar amerikanskt
Västerbottens Folkblad: Jennifer Nobis till Södra
No replacement for Elaine in Umeå
Umeå IK's general manager Roland Arnqvist tells local daily Västerbottenskuriren that the club most probably won't try to find a player to replace long-time injured Brazilian midfielder Elaine, at least not before the summer. It's hard to find an unattached player, that can step in for Elaine and there is very little time left before Umeå's team has to be settled. Arnqvist says that they probably will bring up a player from the development team and take another look at the situation to the summer. "If we sign another player, it will likely be in the summer", he says. And to me that sounds like during or after the Olympics.
Arnqvist also comments on Brazil's attacker Cristiane, whom he still hasn't ruled out completely. "We will keep in touch", Arnqvist says, but adds that she is not someone to replace Elaine, she is a radically different kind of player. The local paper Västerbottens Folkblad also adds that Linköpings FC now seems to be actively persuing Cristiane. And there should be some funds accessible in Linköping, after failing in all their earlier attempts at high-cost transfers.
Västerbottenskuriren: Umeå IK ersätter inte Elaine
Västerbottens Folkblad: Oklart om UIK ersätter Elaine
Umeå's neighbouring Damallsvenskan club, Umeå Södra, are losing their hope to be able to re-sign their key defender Marina. The Brazilian player, that has played for Umeå Södra the last two seasons in the 1st division, has stated that she needs a significantly improved contract to return for the 2008 Damallsvenskan season.
Västerbottenskuriren: Umeå Södra har gett upp Marina
Kristianstad players on loan
Newcomers Kristianstad DFF has decided to let the experienced 31 years old forward Tanja Pihlblad go on loan to local 1st division side Vittsjö GIK. Pihlblad returned to Kristianstad last year following a short stint with 1st division side Älmhult after she returned from spending almost a decade in USA, playing (at Franklin Pierce) and coaching (Central Connecticut State) college soccer.
1st division newcomers Vittsjö also wants to see Kristianstad's junior goalkeeper Emelie Karström join the club.
Norra Skåne: Pihlblad förstärker Vittsjö
Not really football, but Hammarby's Swiss goalkeeper Kathrin Lehmann hasn't only been playing snowy football the last week. She also won the European ice-hockey club championship with her Swedish club AIK.
1st division newcomers Vittsjö also wants to see Kristianstad's junior goalkeeper Emelie Karström join the club.
Norra Skåne: Pihlblad förstärker Vittsjö
Not really football, but Hammarby's Swiss goalkeeper Kathrin Lehmann hasn't only been playing snowy football the last week. She also won the European ice-hockey club championship with her Swedish club AIK.
A third Finnish international to Umeå Södra
Damallsvenskan newcomers Umeå Södra FF has signed their third Finnish international, 21 years old Elina Sormunen from HJK Helsinki. Coach Torbjörn Nordström, who had the Finnish youth international on trial earlier in January, is happy that it worked out and believes that Sormunen will contribute to giving the team a very strong centre midfield.
Västerbottens Folkblad: Sormunen klar för Umeå Södra FF
Västerbottens Folkblad: Sormunen klar för Umeå Södra FF
Bälinge's experienced midfielder Linda Blom has, after lengthy negotiations, agreed to sign for another year with the club.
Upsala Nya Tidning: Linda Blom fortsätter i Bälinge
Rumours and gossip
If you think that I've been inactive the last week, you're quite right, but it's not really my fault. There is simply nothing much happening at the moment. But just to give you some sign of life from the Swedish women soccer scene, here are some actual news, some rumours and a bit of gossip.
American winger/forward Jennifer Nobis (University of Missouri and River Cities in WPSL), who excelled for second level Danmarks IF last season, might be on her way to Damallsvenskan newcomers Umeå Södra FF. At least according to Danmark's coach Max Andersson, who also revealed that he tried to sign goalkeeper Laura Boyer, who is currently trying out at Kopparbergs/Göteborg.
Young goalkeeper Jenny Olsson, who filled in for Linköping's Hedvig Lindahl during her injury, has left the team and is looking at clubs in the Swedish second level (Stattena, Sjöbo) and in the Danish premier league (I'm guessing Skjold).
Kopparbergs/Göteborg has hired a goalkeeper coach, former Swedish international Thomas Wernersson. Wernersson is an old teammate of Göteborg head coach Torbjörn Nilsson and together they won the UEFA Cup 1982.
Newly retired Swedish international Hanna Marklund is pregnant and expecting to give birth this summer. If you count backwards from that, you could get the idea that this was a deciding factor when she made up her mind to retire. Hanna says she is still training with Sunnanå ("Because it's so fun"), which promts tabloid Expressen to ask her if the decision to retire was really final. "I can't know that now", she answers, but I don't think her fans should get their hopes up.
American winger/forward Jennifer Nobis (University of Missouri and River Cities in WPSL), who excelled for second level Danmarks IF last season, might be on her way to Damallsvenskan newcomers Umeå Södra FF. At least according to Danmark's coach Max Andersson, who also revealed that he tried to sign goalkeeper Laura Boyer, who is currently trying out at Kopparbergs/Göteborg.
Young goalkeeper Jenny Olsson, who filled in for Linköping's Hedvig Lindahl during her injury, has left the team and is looking at clubs in the Swedish second level (Stattena, Sjöbo) and in the Danish premier league (I'm guessing Skjold).
Kopparbergs/Göteborg has hired a goalkeeper coach, former Swedish international Thomas Wernersson. Wernersson is an old teammate of Göteborg head coach Torbjörn Nilsson and together they won the UEFA Cup 1982.
Newly retired Swedish international Hanna Marklund is pregnant and expecting to give birth this summer. If you count backwards from that, you could get the idea that this was a deciding factor when she made up her mind to retire. Hanna says she is still training with Sunnanå ("Because it's so fun"), which promts tabloid Expressen to ask her if the decision to retire was really final. "I can't know that now", she answers, but I don't think her fans should get their hopes up.