IFK were the big talking point throughout the Swedish ‘Silly Season’ with fans, media and opposition alike discussing possible transfer targets for the new look Blåvitt management team led by Mikael Stahre. A number of high-profile names were dicussed, debated and discussed some more with everyone having an opinion on which players were needed to make IFK a force to be reckoned with in the Allsvenskan again.
After a quiet start to the transfer period, Håkan Mild and Mikael Stahre surprised, shocked and delighted in equal measures with their transfer activity. Some of the departures were expected as Mikael Stahre looked to trimline his squad and cut down the club’s wage bill. Stahre was honest abouth the areas he wanted to strengthen but few imagined the names he would sign and few imagined that the club would invest so much. The majority of IFK fans are delighted by the club’s transfer activity whilst the media has done it’s usual job of ramping up the pressure on the club, labelling IFK ‘Real Göteborg’, comparing IFK’s spending to that of the mighty Real Madrid. Time will tell as to whether the transfers will be a success and make IFK a title-challenger but no-one can doubt that Håkan Mild, Mikalel Stahre and IFK Göteborg are ‘all in’ for the 2012 Allsvenskan.
ARRIVALS
John Alvbåge – agreed his Bosman transfer from Örebro before the end of last season. The experienced Swedish international goalkeeper arrives for his second spell at the club to compete with the young Erik Dahlin for the number 1 spot in 2012.
Kjetil Waehler – a signing that came somewhat out of the blue, the veteran centre-half arrives at IFK to stabilise the defence and offer determination, experience and above all, organisational skills. Players, staff and fans are already excited and convinced by the Norwegian international.
Nordin Gerzic – the talented, ball-playing midfielder arrives from Örebro looking to push his career onto the next level. Can be used across the midfield or behind the striker(s), Gerzic will add touch and ability to an already talented midfield.
Pontus Farnerud – many thought IFK’s transfer dealings were finished when Gerzic joined but Mild had one last ‘transfer bomb’. Midfielder Farnerud arrives at the club after spells at Monaco and Sporting Lisbon. Arguably one of the most talented Swedish midfielders of his generation.
Daniel Sobralense – another Bosman signing confirmed before the season, the enigmatic Brazilian offers guile, cunning and silky skills and can be a match winner on his day.
DEPARTURES
Niklas Bärkroth – arguably the biggest surprise was the late departure of the flying youngster. he will join UD Leiria in Portugal on loan with Benfica(!) having the option to sign the speedster after the loan concludes. All at IFK hope the move turns out positively for Niklas.
Elmar Bjarnason – Stahre made it clear that the Icelandic international was not in his plans for 2012. Rumours of a move to Ipswich and Brighton came and went before Bjarnason finally moved to 2nd division Randers in Denmark.
Markus Sandberg – after a disappointing start to 2011, Sandberg lost the number 1 spot to Dahlin. A loan move to Ljungskile will hopefully see the youngster get some first team action and refind his form.
Karl Svensson – the centre half rejoined IFK after spells abroad with Rangers and Caen. he has struggled with form, playing time, illness, injury and personal problems and a move was best for both the player and club. He has rejoined his homeclub Jonköpings Södra.
Pär Ericsson – the forward will spend the season on loan at Mjällby after 2 season of struggles with the blue and whites.
Andres Drugge – Drugge had a poor first season at the club in 2011 and the club decided to cut it’s losses and sold him to local rivals Häcken.
Adam Johansson – the consistent captain decided it was time for a new adventure and found a new club address in the USA with Seattle Sounders. A steady right-back who always gave his best for the club.
Alex Faltsetas & Kamal Mustafa – both were released by the club after failing to get regular first team playing time. Faltsetas has been snapped up by Gefle whilst Mustafa’s new club is still unknown.
Thomas Olsson – fan favourite Olsson retired from football and is now working full time as the assistant youth team manager.
