Fresh details have emerged in the proposed transfer between Lincoln City and AIK for winger Erik Ring.
On Tuesday, it was revealed the Imps had agreed a deal with the Swedish outfit for the 22-year-old, with reports in his homeland suggesting a deal was done. However, AIK’s sporting director, Thomas Berntsen, has been speaking about the situation to the Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, confirming that things are not as cut and dried as many may think.
“It can happen,” said Berntsen, when asked if the player was preparing for a move. “If he wants to go to England, we will try to reach an agreement with that club. If he doesn’t want to go there, he is most welcome to extend his contract.”
“I have asked him to think about it for a few days yesterday and so we have a dialogue with the club in England as well. If Erik comes to me and says he wants to travel, he should be allowed to do so,”
“He will never play for another Swedish club regardless (in the future). He will return to AIK. We are very happy to have him here. We prefer to see him extend, but if he wants something else, he deserves to be listened to.”
The former Sweden Under 21 international has been on the fringes of the AIK side this season, although he has appeared in their last three matches against GAIS, Vasteras and Mjalby. Last season, he spent time on loan with Helsingborgs, scoring six goals and getting an assist.
It’s widely believed the Imps are scouring the Scandinavian market and have likely identified Ring as a possible left wing-back, given his physical attributes. They’re currently short in that area, with Reeco Hackett ‘some time’ away from a return according to boss Michael Skubala.
That leaves youngster Dylan Duffy as the only recognised left wing-back in the squad, and he has a possible betting charge hanging over him, which could result in a suspension.
This week, midfielder Dom Jeffries appeared in the position as Lincoln slipped out of the EFL Cup against Harrogate Town, but Duffy is expected to return to the first team for the visit of Barnsley on Saturday.
Writer’s View
Things certainly don’t appear as clear cut as the initial report made out, with this fresh information suggesting that the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement. If the player does decide Lincoln is the place for him, then it seems a dialogue will open.
AIK doesn’t sound averse to allowing their prospect to leave, but there’s also a clear desire for him to stay. With two Sweden Under 21 caps and more than 50 senior appearances for his club, he’s clearly a highly valued asset.
The next couple of days will be crucial for the Imps, and it will be interesting to see if Ring is named in the AIK squad for their game against second-placed Djurgårdens this weekend. If not, then it might be concluded he has made up his mind.
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