Filip Helander wants to extend his stay at Häcken. The defender confirms that both he and the club are positive about a continuation when his loan deal with Omonia Nicosia expires, according to Fotbollskanalen.
Helander was loaned from the Cypriot club at the end of August and has quickly become a key piece in the defence. His current contract with Omonia runs until the summer of 2026, but he expresses a strong desire to establish himself in the Swedish top flight again. "I would really like that. I'm very happy and would like to stay in Sweden", says the 32-year-old defender.
Why does Häcken want to keep Helander?
Sporting director Erik Friberg is very pleased with the player's contributions. He emphasises that the feeling is mutual and that Helander has added stability to the back line. Manager Jens Gustafsson highlights the qualities Helander brings to the team. "He has balanced us up. Strength, power, duels and he is ready to clear the ball if needed", says Gustafsson. Helander also scored the opening goal in the recent 2-2 draw against AIK, showing his offensive contribution.
Häcken currently sits in seventh place in the Allsvenskan table, according to our standings page. The team has played 20 matches so far this season. A stable defence will be crucial for climbing the table during the remaining fixtures, which you can follow on our fixtures page.
What is Helander's career background?
Filip Helander left Swedish football ten years ago when he moved from Malmö FF to Hellas Verona. Since then, he has gathered experience from clubs like Bologna, Rangers, and Odense before landing in Cyprus. His return to Sweden with Häcken has been a success. He has been an immediate reinforcement in central defence and played a key role since his arrival.
On our squad page you can see the entire team, where Helander is now an established part of the defence. His international experience and physical style of play complement the other defenders well.
What happens next with the contract?
Negotiations for a permanent transfer or a new loan deal are ongoing. Both parties are positive, but there are details to resolve with his parent club Omonia Nicosia. Friberg mentions they must consider the contract that runs until 2026. The process is expected to continue over the coming weeks.
For Häcken, a solution with Helander means they can plan long-term with an experienced centre-back at the core. At 32 years old, he still has a lot to offer and can be a mentor for younger players in the squad. The club's focus is now on securing his future while preparing for the next league match.
