The Swedish headache: How Hammarby IF approach the mid-season summer transfer window
Off The Pitch
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By Jacob Espensen , Editor, Off The Pitch
In the dynamic world of football, preparation for the new season often hinges on strategic maneuvering during the transfer windows. However, for a top tier Swedish club like Hammarby Fotboll AB , the timing of these windows presents a unique challenge.
Unlike most European leagues that conclude their seasons before the summer transfer window, the Swedish league is in full swing during the window.
Hammarby’s Technical Director, Adrian von Heijne , provides an in-depth look into how this timing affects their transfer strategies and overall club management.
The timing challenge
The distinct nature of the Swedish mid-season transfer window, which coincides with the league’s critical matches, creates a set of challenges for clubs. Unlike other European leagues where the main transfer activity occurs before the season starts, Swedish clubs must navigate player movements throughout their season. This unique timing demands meticulous planning and flexibility, Adrian von Heijne says.
“I think it puts even higher demands on us working with recruitment, working on sport management. To make sure that we have plans for almost everything because things can happen so rapidly,” von Heijne acknowledges.
This different way of going into a window poses both opportunities and challenges. For Hammarby, it can mean significant player movement during a critical part of their season, unlike other leagues where the major window happens before the season begins.
“Many other leagues have their biggest window in the summer, which will impact us in the context that we will mostly have our biggest sells in the middle of the season when other clubs out in Europe will have their biggest sells at the end or in front of a new season,” von Heijne elaborates.
With the added complexities of events like the Olympics and EURO, von Heijne notes the potential impacts on their squad this specific summer.
“This summer both the Olympics and the EURO will impact the flow of transfers. We have some players, participating in the Olympics and if they do well, that will increase their transfer potential at the end of the season.”
The absence of key players due to international duties further complicates squad management during crucial matches.
But von Heijne’s general view of the timing of the transfer window is neither negative nor positive.
“I don't see this as either good or bad. It's simply the way things are, and we have to deal with it and make the best of it,” he states.
Categorising the squad
When building a solid squad in Hammerby, Von Heijne emphasizes the importance of categorising players to streamline recruitment and squad management.
“We have a few key players who don’t need to generate economic output. Then there are growth players who offer both sporting and economic value, future players who will become key or value players, and squad players who won't play much or impact our finances.”
This strategic segmentation helps in targeting the right talent and planning for both current and future needs.
In von Heijne’s view, recruitment is an ongoing process. In Hammerby, they do not only focus on one transfer window at a time.
“The recruitment process never stops. I think you need to be prepared at any time really. And of course, when the window closes in September, we can't do any transfers for a couple of months, but then it's about preparing for the next window and the window after that.”
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Looking ahead is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring seamless transitions between windows.
His focus is on long-term squad development rather than short-term fixes.
“That plan isn't necessarily connected to a particular transfer window. It's more about where we want our squad to be and what steps do we need to take to get there.”
The timings impact on European competitions
The timing of the Swedish league does not only affect the transfer window. Also, the Swedish teams possibility to perform in European competitions are affected, if you ask von Heijne.
“A big issue with the league system that we have is the possibility of performing in Europe over time,” von Heijne points out.
The Swedish football league, known as the Allsvenskan, typically concludes in early November.
Consequently, Swedish teams often face the challenge of playing crucial group stage matches in European competitions after their domestic season has ended. This timing can lead to potential issues with maintaining form and fitness, making it difficult to stay competitive in Europe.
“It will be more difficult for Swedish clubs to perform in Europe over time, that's for sure.”
Fan engagement
You can’t talk about Hammarby without mentioning their supporters. One of the things Hammarby is well known for is its large and loud fan base. Its passionate supporters play a big role in which direction the club is going.
And therefor transparency and communication with fans are vital, especially under the 51% rule that they have in Sweden. The rule that mandates that the majority ownership of the club must remain with its members, who hold at least 51% of the voting rights. This ensures that fans and members retain control over major decisions and gives fans a significant say in club decisions.
“You can't find any club that has been as transparent with their sporting strategy as we have been,” von Heijne asserts. “And in Sweden, you also need to take into consideration that it's not only the supporters we are communicating to, but also the owners,” von Heijne says.
Understanding and engaging with the fans ensures that the club’s long-term path is clear and supported by its most ardent fans.
And according to von Heijne it’s all about benefitting from the fact that you have a lot of fans who loves the club.
“It's one of the biggest advantages you can have in Scandinavia, honestly,” von Heijne shares. “The atmosphere that is created when we play, if it's home or away, is insane.”
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