On November 24th, Middlesbrough appointed Kim Hellberg as their new manager. He had spent close to two years at Hammarby IF before joining the Championship side.
At the start of this week, the Swedish media asked Hellberg whether he would raid his old club to improve Middlesbrough’s squad. He dropped a transfer hint by saying Hammarby’s Victor Eriksson could be a good option for Boro.
The 25-year-old has responded to Hellberg’s comments, and Saturday’s edition of Aftonbladet relays his comments.
Eriksson reveals to have come across his former manager naming him. He has also left the door open to join Middlesbrough if they were to make advances to sign him.
“I’ve seen it. I haven’t heard anything, just seen a headline about it. There will always be rumours, but I enjoy it here and feel like I’m on a journey here. If something even comes up, you have to accept it,” he said.
When specifically asked whether Hellberg has contacted him, Eriksson explained: “No, he hasn’t.”
The centre-back was asked what would it mean to be presented an opportunity to move to England. When responding to that, the Sweden international indicated a move to Boro would be step forward for him.
“Every footballer has a dream and that’s to get to the best leagues and England is probably up there. It would be a good step. But there’s a lot that has to fall into place and it’s not something I feel I need to think about now,” he added.
Eriksson’s contract lasts until December 2028. Earlier this week, Hammarby sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg insisted they have no plans to part ways with the defender.
Although Hellberg dropped a transfer hint, the player says there’s nothing going on.
“No, I don’t even think it’s got that far. I enjoy it here and am happy here, if something comes up, I’ll have to decide on it then,” Eriksson said.
Fotboll Direkt also contacted Swede to get his views on Hellberg’s comment.
“I think it’s great that he likes me as a player and that he said so. I appreciate that he wants me there, he’s a great coach,” he said.
Middlesbrough are currently second in the Championship table, four points ahead third placed Millwall. They are in contention to return to the Premier League.
“Every player has dreams. My dreams are to play on the biggest stage and that’s England. Of course it’s tempting,” the defender explained.
“But at the same time, I’m at Hammarby and I’m very happy here. We’re on a journey and it’s going to be very exciting next year.”
Eriksson isn’t the only Swede to have opened the door for Boro. On Friday, Anes Mravac said it would be a dream for him to be part of Hellberg’s backroom staff at Middlesbrough.
