oblique. Erick Otieno would rather leave AIK for a new challenge.
the problem?
– The club puts a high price on me, says the Kenyan.
The Sportbladet Envoy asks a quick question as we meet Erick Otieno after a training session.
Can you still be in Allsvenskan?
The left back laughs before responding.
– I ask myself that too!
It may sound a little divine. However, anyone who has met Otieno knows that a Kenyan is the exact opposite of a strict one. Instead, compliment yourself. And he, on the other hand, is honest: things did not turn out as he intended. Two days ago, the transfer window for the biggest league closed. The 26-year-old, who has long been one of the best left-backs in the series, can say that no, he hasn’t been sold this time either.
Why hasn’t that happened yet, in your opinion?
– I think maybe it has to do with being too expensive. Many clubs withdraw when they understand that the price of AIK for me is higher than they expected. So I think this is most likely the problem.
AIK highly appreciates you?
– Yes, I think they think so. So maybe that’s why other clubs don’t take me. I think this creates this situation.
You don’t want a training shot
How do you feel about that?
– It’s about what AIK wants to do. I can’t say “now I refuse to train because you don’t sell me”. It won’t change anything. This would rub more salt into the wounds. I will simply have to wait and see how the different parties come to an agreement.
Otieno admits the situation can weigh on him.
– Sometimes you feel disappointed. But just keep doing the work. I know there are still opportunities available. Many doors can be opened for me. So I don’t feel any pressure.
You mean that some windows are still open?
– Yes exactly. So we’ll see what happens. A lot can happen.
He says there has been interest in him all winter. The agent announced that.
– But yeah, the problem is the price. Like I said before. Buying Clubs and AIK probably have different views on that. Hence negotiation becomes more difficult.
Want to try something new
Otieno’s contract expires in 2024.
Time passes, and so does the decade. But I’m not going to keep pressing “sell me, sell me.” It is up to the club to decide. I may feel like I deserve a move, but it’s out of my hands.
He is very keen to test himself in a more challenging league than Allsvenskan.
You adapt to your environment. Either you get over it and get better, or you get ruined. The better environments you get, the more you learn. You have to learn new things in life. It is important for me to perform at an even level so that I can move to a new level.
If it was all in your hands – would you have wanted to risk another league?
– yes. If the offer is good and AIK accepted. Why not? Test me on a new level.
I have not met Manuel Lindberg
He is also considering the possibility of financially securing the future.
Finances are important, not least life after football. You need to build finances as best you can during your career so that you can reap the rewards when you quit. I think about my future. But we’ll see what happens now, or what happens this summer. Chances are I’m still in touch with my agent who tells me what’s going on. I will wait and decide.
Have you spoken to Manuel Lindberg, the interim sporting director?
– I didn’t talk to him. We’re in training camp and he might have his own things to do. So we haven’t met yet.
Are you thinking of renewing your contract with AIK?
– I don’t know. AIK didn’t tell me anything at all. So when I know what they want with me, and what they put on the table, I can respond to that.