Karl Marius Aksum, the coach of Mjällby AIF, has made a strong case for retaining star player Elliot Stroud, whose contract is set to expire after this season. Aksum stated, 'Elliot Stroud is the best in the Allsvenskan. ' The coach's comments come amid uncertainty over whether Mjällby will sell Stroud this summer or allow him to leave for free in the winter when his contract ends.
Aksum is firmly against a summer sale, saying, 'I see no reason to sell him this summer. ' Stroud's performances have fueled this discussion. According to major media reports, he was the player of the match when Mjällby AIF beat Malmö FF 4-0 in the Swedish Cup quarterfinal, scoring the opening goal with a hard shot from a bad angle and assisting the second goal.
Better to let him go for free in the winter.
Despite rumors of interest from abroad, Stroud remained at Mjällby AIF this season. Aksum has high ambitions for the player, asserting that Stroud is intended for the Premier League. He said, 'He is one of those who can play in the Premier League in the future.
' The potential salary Stroud could earn at a Premier League club remains unknown. On the international front, Stroud's form has sparked talk of a call-up to the Swedish national team for the World Cup playoff. Aftonbladet reports that Elliot Stroud could be a wildcard for the national team selection.
There are certainly very many good Swedish players. But Elliot Stroud is the best in the Allsvenskan. Quite clearly. If Sweden has better left wingers or left-backs than Elliot, I won't interfere. That is a capable man (Graham Potter) who decides that. But Elliot Stroud is in extreme form and he has become much better this year than he was last year.
' He humorously noted the tough competition for places, adding, 'It is really tough competition in my position. ' Whether he will be selected is still undetermined. Stroud has been a consistent performer for Mjällby, with other sources indicating he has 21 goals and 12 assists in 93 matches for the club.
Aksum hopes to keep Stroud for the entire season, but the player's future beyond that is unclear, with specific foreign clubs interested in him yet to be named. The decision on whether Stroud will sign a new contract with Mjällby or move to another club is pending.