Djurgarden have strengthened their attack with a historic signing by purchasing 19-year-old Charlie Rosenqvist from Kalmar FF. The transfer, completed after the window closed, is the most expensive ever for Djurgarden in Allsvenskan and the biggest sale in KFF's history, according to a report from Aftonbladet pointing to a fee around 40 million kronor. Kalmar FF sporting director Mats Winblad gave his explanation on Fotbollskanalen's deadline day broadcast on TV4 Play.
Why did Kalmar FF sell their star?
The club's sporting director Mats Winblad confirmed that three parties wanted the deal to happen. Kalmar FF, Djurgarden, and the player himself were all in agreement. But the sporting situation influenced the decision. Kalmar FF are fighting to secure a new Allsvenskan contract and are in a relegation battle. Winblad said the club nevertheless has a strong squad that can manage without Rosenqvist for the rest of the season. "It is the biggest for Kalmar FF and the biggest for Allsvenskan. So yes, it is a big deal," said Winblad.
How did fan reactions affect the deal?
Selling a key player to a rival in the middle of a relegation fight has created dissatisfaction among Kalmar FF supporters. Winblad acknowledges it was a difficult balancing act. The club had planned to replace Rosenqvist with an offensive player, but that plan fell through at the last moment. "The player changed his mind at the last moment, stated the KFF boss," reported Fotbollskanalen. This means Kalmar FF will enter the final part of the season without a direct replacement for their biggest ever sale.
What does Rosenqvist mean for Djurgarden?
Charlie Rosenqvist becomes Djurgarden's most expensive signing ever in Allsvenskan. He joins a team sitting in third place in the table with 32 points from 18 games. The team has a goal difference of +22 with 41 scored and 19 conceded. Although they are ten points behind leaders Sirius, the season is far from over. Rosenqvist will get the chance to contribute directly to an attack that is already productive. You can follow the team's progress on our stats page.
What does Djurgarden's upcoming schedule look like?
Djurgarden have a break from league play until their next match, which is away against IF Brommapojkarna on October 16. Brommapojkarna are in tenth place in the table, making it an important opportunity for Djurgarden to pick up points. Before then, the team has time to integrate their new record signing into the squad. All upcoming matches are listed on our fixtures page. With a recent form of WWLLW, the team knows consistency is key to staying in the title race, which you can follow on standings.
Kalmar FF's Mats Winblad also revealed that the club had no concrete offer from abroad for Rosenqvist, making Djurgarden's bid the only serious alternative. The transfer was made official shortly after the Swedish transfer window closed on Monday.
