Middlesbrough are in the process of appointing Hammarby IF manager Kim Hellberg as Rob Edwards’ successor.
Three days ago, the Swedish press stated Hellberg has verbally agreed a deal with Boro. A day later, Expressen said the Championship side had started the process of helping him obtain a work permit.
On Wednesday, Fotboll Direkt reported Hammarby were due SEK 5m [€460k] from the clause payment, after earlier reports had a lower figure.
Aftonbladet have now spoken to Hammarby captain Nahir Besara to get his views on the manager’s impending move to Middlesbrough.
“We’ll see. Nothing is official yet. I’ve lost my voice because I’ve been shouting at him so much. We have a good connection, and we’ve been talking quite often now too,” he said.
When asked whether he has persuaded Hellberg to stay, Besara explained: “Not really. I see him as a friend, not just as a football coach. If this is the best thing for his career, I’ll support him.”
With Middlesbrough making advances to sign Hellberg, Hammarby IF sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg also shared his take.
“It is no secret that we have planned for a future without Kim, even if nothing is formally clear. In our thoughts and in our planning, we have prepared for a future without Kim,” Hjelmberg explained.
Middlesbrough taking friend and manager away
Expressen also had a chat with the 34-year-old midfielder about the latest claims of Boro’s interest in Hellberg.
According to Expressen, the coach’s time at the Swedish club is about to come to an end. They further add he’s ready to take the current vacant job at the Riverside Stadium.
The Hammarby IF star backed up this claim and says it’s only a matter of time before Hellberg moves to Middlesbrough.
“It feels like it is a matter of time until it happens,” he added.
“If it is not this year, then maybe next year. Of course, I would like to have Kim in Hammarby for the rest of his life. But sooner or later, when he is doing so well, this would happen.
“He’s a friend of mine and we have talked about everything. Our families have become close to each other and everything. Of course I will miss him.”
