Swedish Footballers Make Major Moves in Early 2026 Transfer Window

Several high-profile transfers involving Swedish footballers have been confirmed in early February 2026, marking an active period in Swedish football’s transfer market.

Emil Holm, the 25-year-old defender, has officially joined Juventus on loan from Bologna, with the Italian giants holding an option to buy for €15 million (around 158 million SEK). Holm successfully passed his medical in Turin, and the deal includes Juventus sending Portuguese right-back Joao Mario on loan to Bologna as part of the arrangement. Holm, who has previously played for Spezia, Atalanta, and Bologna, made 48 appearances and scored two goals in the Italian Serie A since joining Bologna in the summer of 2024.

In Spain, Ibrahim Diabate is set to leave Swedish club Gais for Deportivo Alavés in La Liga. The 26-year-old striker, who scored 18 goals to share the top scorer title in the Allsvenskan last season, will join Alavés on a loan until the summer for 400,000 euros. The Spanish club also secured a buy option valued at 2.5 million euros, potentially making the full transfer worth approximately 31 million kronor. Diabate’s move follows speculation tying him to clubs like Sharjah FC in the UAE, but he now embarks on a new chapter in Spain’s top division.

Domestically, young defender Bleon Kurtulus has agreed to leave Halmstads BK for Malmö FF on a permanent deal. The 18-year-old, who featured 40 times for Halmstads BK, has signed a contract for 4.5 years and will soon join Malmö FF’s training camp in Spain. Despite interest from various foreign clubs, Kurtulus chose Malmö FF, influenced by the efforts of football director Daniel Andersson. The transfer is expected to be officially announced this week.

These transfers highlight a dynamic start to 2026 for Swedish football players both at home and abroad, demonstrating the growing profile and mobility of Swedish talent across Europe’s top leagues.