Swedish outlet Sportsbladet are reporting that League One side Lincoln City are closing in on a deal to sign AIK’s Swedish Under 21 international Erik Ring.
The Imps were eliminated from the League Cup last night by League Two side Harrogate Town and despite a strong start by winning at Burton, their squad still needs some strengthening. Director of Football Jez George has discussed the possibility of signing players from Scandinavia over the summer, and now it’s suggested that 22-year-old Ring is on their radar.
The left-winger has appeared 47 times for AIK, including outings in the Conference League. He left the 2018 Swedish champions on loan last season, appearing for Helsinborgs in the second tier, where he bagged six goals and grabbed an assist. This season, he’s been on the fringes of the AIK team, and with his contract expiring, it appears they’re now happy to let him leave.
That reportedly alerted the Imps, who are believed to be well down the road with the deal. It’s suggested Ring has already visited the UK, and a deal has been agreed not only with him but also between the two clubs. That leaves the final touches to be put on any move, but if there are no further hiccups, it could be as early as this week.
As well as his domestic football, Ring has appeared twice for his nation at Under 21 level – back in October 2021 he appeared against Montenegro, earning a call-up to face Bosnia a month later.
The Imps and AIK are no strangers to each other; they struck a deal in 2021 for winger Zack Elbouzedi, who swapped Lincoln for Stockholm before a recent move back to Ireland.
Michael Skubala’s side got their campaign off to a flying start at the weekend when a double from captain Paudie O’Connor helped secure a 3-2 win against Burton Albion.
Writer’s Opinion
Ring was certainly a much-heralded talent at one stage, but it seems AIK are now happy to cash in.
Imps fans can certainly be excited, but there may be a shift in position for him. He plays on the left wing, but the Imps employ a 3-5-2 formation, meaning there is no left-wing spot.
That said, Reeco Hackett, the usual left wing-back, is currently injured, whilst his stand-in, Dylan Duffy, has a gambling issue hanging over his head. That means the Imps need reinforcements, and Ring certainly feels like he could fill that role comfortably. Last night, as they slipped to defeat against Burton, midfielder Dom Jeffries played there.
The ring could also play on the right, acting as an understudy to Tendayi Darikwa, himself playing in a European top-flight division last season with Apollon Limassol.
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