Fylkir raise the heat in Iceland

Fylkir have signalled their Icelandic title ambitions with three pre-season signings.

Three signings
The club that finished fourth in Iceland last season wasted no time following the opening of the winter transfer window, signing midfield player Ólafur Stígsson, striker Björgólfur Takefusa and Ólafur Júlíusson.

Back from Norway
Stígsson has returned to Fylkir from Norwegian side Molde FK after refusing to accept a cut in his salary two years into a three-year contract. The 28-year-old, who has won nine caps for Iceland, has signed a three-year deal with Fylkir.

Contract clause
Explaining the move, Stígsson said: "In my contract with Fylkir it says I can leave if someone comes in for me when the transfer window opens. Otherwise I will play here at home but it is difficult to get a contract today. Still Fylkir was the only club I would have signed for."

Striking arrival
Meanwhile, Takefusa has signed a three-year deal after leaving relegated Thróttur Reykjavík. The 23-year-old scored ten goals in 17 appearances last season and is eager to battle for a first-team place with his new club.

Favoured option
"I am very much looking forward to playing here," he said. "It is great to have the opportunity to play for the best team in Iceland." Attacking midfield player Júlíusson is Fylkir's other major signing, joining from second division side HK Kópavogur. Leaving the club are Sverrir Sverrisson and goalkeeper Kjartan Sturluson, who have both been released.

Champions reinforce
Champions KR Reykjavík have also made reinforcements with international defender Bjarni Thorsteinsson rejoining the club from Molde. Other major arrivals at KR include Fram Reykjavík's Ágúst Gylfason and former FC Utrecht player Sigmundur Kristjánsson.

Fram coup
Fram have made a major move with the signing of KA Akureyri defender Makan Sigurbjörnsson on a three-year contract. Sigurbjörnsson was a product of the KA youth system who subsequently played in Sweden with Östers IF.

ÍA extension
Another former Öster player, 28-year-old striker Stefán Thórdarson, has signed a one-year extension to his contract with last season's third-placed side, ÍA Akranes. He scored seven goals in 15 games for ÍA last season.