Erick ‘Marcelo’ Otieno Ouma: Kenyan Left Back to Leave AIK Amid Interest From Europe

• Erick 'Marcelo' Otieno is back in the spotlight amid potential interest from European clubs
• Director of football at AIK Thomas Berntsen says the club would not stand in player’s way
• The Allsvenskan club turned down an offer for Otieno last summer as he sought to depart

AIK left-back, Erick 'Marcelo' Otieno Ouma is once again making headlines as potential interest from Europe reignites the possibility of his departure from the Allsvenskan club.

Thomas Berntsen, the director of football at the Swedish club, has candidly stated they will not hinder the Kenyan defender's move if a suitable offer materialises this winter.

Despite previous links to other clubs in recent years, the defender had chosen to stay with AIK.

However, it appears the tide has shifted and Berntsen has acknowledged that Otieno might be heading out to seek a new challenge.

Jadon Sancho: Ousted Manchester United star spotted at 21 Savage's event as ten Hag feud continues

Football

The AIK director said, via AIK Play:

"I'm confident that Otieno will be donning a different squad than AIK's next year. I understand it might be a tough message for our fans. He still has a year left on his contract. Otieno has come close to leaving in several transfer windows before."

Having made a commitment to Otieno during the previous summer, Berntsen assured him the club would not impede his departure if a promising offer emerged.

In 2021, the Kenyan attracted attention from top European clubs, according to his agent Jamal Ibrahim. He also spoke of the club's willingness to sell the defender.

“He has been here for a long time, and it was probably intended that he would be sold a few transfer windows ago, but he is very important to us. At least he will play here until the end of the fall," said Berntsen as quoted on FotbollSkanalen.

Bundesliga club Bayern Munich draw up 3-man shortlist to replace goalkeeper Manuel Neuer: report

Football

Despite a previous offer being turned down last summer, Berntsen has affirmed AIK's stance, stressing the player’s importance to the side over the years.

Since joining the outfit, Otieno has contributed four goals and 15 assists in 104 games as the club now faces the prospect of parting ways with the talented left-back.

When Otieno made league's top team

Sports Brief previously reported that Otieno made the Team of the Week for Allsvenskan following impressive performances for his side.

The Kenyan defender was crucial as they bounced back to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Ostersunds in the league back in November 2021.

In a victory that ended a two-game losing streak, Ouma provided an assist and was defensively flawless to ensure his side claimed three points.