Djurgarden's Slovenian winger Nino Zugelj has left the club to join IFK Goteborg on loan. The deal, reported by Aftonbladet Sportbladet this week, runs for the remainder of the season and includes an option for the Gothenburg side to make the move permanent.
Zugelj, 26, joined Djurgarden from Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt ahead of last season but struggled to establish himself. Injuries and limited playing time during this Allsvenskan campaign led to a search for a solution. For Djurgarden, who sit fourth in Allsvenskan with 29 points from 17 games, the move allows a player to get the minutes he needs while the club maintains its strong league position. The team has scored 37 goals and conceded only 19, giving them a +18 goal difference.
Why is Zugelj leaving Djurgarden?
Nino Zugelj's time at Djurgarden has been marked by misfortune. During his year and a half at the club, playing time has been sparse. "I feel I haven't really proven what I can do in Allsvenskan yet," the player said according to Aftonbladet Sportbladet. For a player in his prime, regular action is key, a factor also highlighted by Djurgarden's football director Maximilian Hahn. The move is seen as a good solution for all parties involved, giving Zugelj a chance to show his quality at another major club.
What does the loan mean for IFK Goteborg?
For IFK Goteborg, it's a low-risk addition of an attacking player with experience from Norwegian and Swedish top flights. Zugelj has already formed positive impressions of his new workplace. "I've had very good impressions of Blåvitt and Gothenburg and have seen the fantastic atmosphere at Gamla Ullevi," he stated. With a purchase option in place, this could become a permanent transfer if he succeeds. For Goteborg, currently in ninth place, a creative winger like Zugelj could be just what's needed to climb the table.
How does this affect Djurgarden's squad?
With Zugelj's departure, a spot opens up in the attack, but Djurgarden already possesses a broad and effective squad. The team sits comfortably in the top four of Allsvenskan, even though they trail league leaders Sirius by 13 points. The next challenge is an away match against IF Brommapojkarna on October 18th, a game where Djurgarden will want to return to winning ways after a recent form of WLLWW. Fans can follow the preparations for that match on our fixtures page.
For Djurgarden, the final stretch of the season is now about holding onto fourth place and improving their position. With a solid goal difference and a squad that has shown potency, all the ingredients are there for a strong finish. Updated information on the player squad is always available on our squad page.
