Hammarby IF Sporting Director Mikael Hjelmberg in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has explained the decision to cut short Suwaibou Kebbeh’s loan spell at GIF Sundsvall, with the Gambian youngster returning to the club as part of its plans for the remainder of the Swedish Allsvenskan season.
Hjelmberg said the club believes Kebbeh can provide greater competition in the attacking department.
“We feel a need to strengthen the competition in the offensive positions,” he noted.
The sporting director praised the youngster’s development during his time at Sundsvall, highlighting the valuable experience he gained despite the team’s struggles throughout the season.
“He has gained experience, played an important role and performed quite well in a Sundsvall that has had a tough time in terms of play and results.”
According to Hjelmberg, Kebbeh returns to Hammarby as a more complete player than when he left at the beginning of the year.
“He has gained experience that he brings with him here and we believe that he is a clearly better player today than he was in January.”
With several clubs having expressed interest in taking Kebbeh on loan, questions were raised over whether another temporary move could still be considered to continue his development.
Hjelmberg dismissed that possibility, making it clear that the club’s plans now involve integrating the Gambian into the senior squad.
“No, that’s not the plan. The plan is for him to come back and compete fully.”
The decision underlines Hammarby’s growing confidence in the young Gambian, whose rapid development during his loan spell has earned him an opportunity to fight for regular first-team football in Sweden’s top division.
Kebbeh’s return represents another important step in his progression, with Hammarby viewing him as a player capable of strengthening the squad as the club looks to improve its performances during the remainder of the Allsvenskan campaign.
