‍ Djurgården’s return too training after the holiday⁢ season ⁣marked the beginning of a flurry of activity‌ as the club seeks⁣ to bolster​ its ​squad ‌for the upcoming season. While sporting⁤ director Bosse Andersson has already secured the services of Hampus Finndell and extended Jacob Une Larsson’s contract, the hunt for⁢ new talent continues, with ⁤a ⁢particular focus on reinforcing the defensive line.

The​ club ‌has⁤ made waves in ⁢the ⁢transfer market ⁣by agreeing to a SEK 11.5 million deal with ‍KuPS for the highly promising‍ 17-year-old ⁤midfielder Matias Siltanen. This acquisition, coupled with a lucrative bonus ⁢structure and ⁤a resale clause, suggests a long-term investment in the rising‌ star.

​However,⁢ the‌ priority for Andersson appears​ to ‍be securing a new center-back. ‍ Jani Honkavaara, Djurgården’s ‌manager, has ⁢publicly acknowledged the need for defensive reinforcements, stating, “We ⁣are working on ‍it and ⁤talking about what options we have. It’s about taking into account​ the number of foreign players in the squad, so that’s something that sets it up.”

Honkavaara ​emphasized the limited ‌options available due to the club’s current foreign player quota, admitting, “this means that the options are somewhat limited,‍ but we talk about it internally. ‌It’s ‌tricky now that we‌ only have Tenho‌ and Une Larsson available.”

Indeed, rumors have swirled ‍about⁤ a potential move for KuPS defender ibrahim Cissé, a player Honkavaara previously⁢ worked with. However, ​concerns surrounding the club’s foreign player quota appear to⁤ have shifted their focus elsewhere.

According to reports, ⁢Djurgården has even met with Västerås‍ SK’s Mikael Marques, adding the Swedish central defender‌ to⁢ their list of potential targets. While the club initially seemed⁣ interested, their pursuit of Marques has reportedly cooled down ‌recently,⁤ leaving the future uncertain for the Swedish ‌defender.

Whether Djurgården⁤ ultimately decides to ‌sign ‌Marques or⁤ explore‍ other options remains to be seen. One thing is clear – the​ club is actively working to strengthen its defensive core ahead of ‍the new season.⁢