AIK Braced For 22-Year-Old Departure

Swedish side AIK are preparing to sell Erik Ring to English League One side Lincoln City, according to reports from Sweden. 

The 22-year-old has appeared 47 times for the Stockholm-based side, as well as impressing on loan last season with Helsingborg. However, his contract expires in December, and it is suggested that the club have now decided to cash in on a player who was once heralded as the next big thing in Sweden. He was included in the Under 21 team for two matches in 2021, and looked to have a glittering career ahead of him.

His loan at Helsinborgs was a success, but he has struggled this season to force himself into the AIK side, making six appearances, all from the bench. With his contract running down, the report suggests terms have now been agreed to sell to Lincoln, from whom the Gnaget purchased winger Zack Elbouzedi in 2021.

The Imps are currently scouring Scandinavia for fresh faces, something their DoF, Jez George, has made clear over the summer. Operating in a 3-5-2 formation, they will likely want Ring to play left-wing back. They currently have an injury in that position (Reeco Hackett) and have a gambling case hanging over the head of his understudy, Dylan Duffy.

AIK are currently ninth in the Allsvenskan, equally as far from relegation as they are promotion. It has been six seasons since they last lifted the Swedish title, and coach Mikkjal Thomassen is looking to rebuild the side to force themselves back into European contention.

The report suggests not only are The Imps interested in Ring, but he has visited their LNER Stadium home, and has agreed terms with the club. It’s believed AIK have also sanctioned the deal, meaning it could go ahead this week.

Site Opinion

This would be a coup for the Imps. Ring is exciting, young and has plenty of growth potential. His strengths would certainly fit the Imps requirements, even if there would be a slight change in his position. That isn’t unusual – Danish midfielder Lasse Sorensen converted to a wing-back with the club and has just moved for up to £500,000.

As for AIK, getting a fixed fee now is surely attractive, as he could be a free agent in December, and as he doesn’t turn 23 until April, there would be a development fee. That could be a risk, so a sale now makes sense.