Filip Helander Joins BK Häcken on Loan, Eyes European Challenge

Filip Helander, a 32-year-old former Swedish national team defender, has completed his loan move to BK Häcken from the Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia. Upon his arrival, Helander expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Conference League, stating, "We have a thrilling autumn ahead of us, and I am really looking forward to playing in Europe again and measuring ourselves against teams from other countries. It is incredibly inspiring."

Helander's transfer comes at a crucial time for Häcken, which is currently positioned ninth in the Allsvenskan with just nine matches left in the season. Football chief Martin Ericsson is optimistic about Helander's impact, emphasizing his extensive international experience and defensive capabilities. "In Filip, we get a seasoned center-back with extensive experience in international play who will significantly strengthen our defense," Ericsson noted. He highlighted Helander's strengths, particularly in aerial duels and one-on-one situations, which are expected to be vital for the team's upcoming European campaign.

Helander's career has included prestigious clubs such as Malmö FF, Hellas Verona, Bologna, Rangers, Odense, and more recently, Omonia Nicosia. He has earned 23 caps for the Swedish national team, participating notably in the Euro 2023 qualifiers, though he has not been called up for recent national team fixtures under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. The transfer to Häcken represents a chance for Helander to reintegrate into the Swedish football scene and potentially earn his spot back on the national team.