Racing snap up Swedish wonderkid Erikson as goalkeeper competition hots up
Segunda División leaders Racing Santander have signed 19-year-old Swedish goalkeeper Simon Erikson from IF Elfsborg on a long-term deal through 2030.
Racing Santander bolster their promotion push with the signing of teenage Swedish goalkeeper Simon Erikson on a massive deal through 2030.
Swedish sensation arrives
The Segunda División pacesetters have moved swiftly to strengthen between the sticks, landing 19-year-old Simon Erikson from Swedish top-flight side IF Elfsborg. The towering 1.95m goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a contract that’ll keep him in Cantabria until 2030 - a proper statement of intent from Racing’s sporting director Chema Aragón.
Erikson’s arrival follows the departure of Andreev, giving manager José Alberto López a proper selection headache in goal.
Who is Simon Erikson?
Born in Uppsala on April 24, 2006, Erikson’s football journey began at Dalkurd before moving to FC Stockholm, where his performances caught the eye of Elfsborg. The youngster has already racked up some decent experience for his tender age:
- 20 appearances in the Allsvenskan (Swedish top flight)
- 1 match in the Swedish Cup
- 13 games for Elfsborg’s Under-19s
- 2 call-ups to Sweden’s Under-21 national team
Competition for Ezkieta
The big question now is whether Erikson has been brought in as immediate first choice or to provide genuine competition for current number one Ezkieta.
The Navarrese keeper has been the undisputed starter this season but hasn’t faced serious pressure for his spot. He’s also been carrying shoulder problems that have sidelined him at times during the campaign.
José Alberto now has a proper decision on his plates - stick with the experienced Ezkieta or throw the Swedish youngster straight in at the deep end as Racing push for promotion? It’s a nice problem to have for the gaffer, and the kind of squad depth that could make all the difference in their hunt for top-flight football.