Sweden's Wernbloom hoping to blossom at AZ

Pontus Wernbloom is set to join newly-crowned Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar from IFK Göteborg after representing hosts Sweden at June's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

IFK lessons
A versatile player who can operate both up front and in midfield, Wernbloom has signed a four-year deal, with the option for a fifth season, for a reported €2.3m fee. The 22-year-old joined IFK from boyhood club IK Kongahälla in 2004 and has made a name for himself as a physically tough player with an eye for goal, helping the Gothenburg outfit win the Allsvenskan title in 2007. Alongside his U21 honours, Wernbloom has two senior Sweden caps.

Tribute
Wernbloom expressed thanks to his current employers. "I've loved every second with the Blåvitt and learned everything here," he said. "Even though I'll always love IFK, the fans and people around the team, this feels like the step I have to take. One day I hope to be welcomed back." AZ director of football Marcel Brands said: "We have been watching Wernbloom for quite some time. Pontus is a big, strong midfielder with goalscoring ability, who impressed a lot with the Sweden Under-21 team, and who can play across the midfield. I hope he will bring us a lot of pleasure."

Youth philosophy
"We're losing a very good player," commented Håkan Mild, IFK's sporting director. "But this is the way we want to work with our young guys – to educate and develop them, so that they can carry on their careers at good European clubs. Alkmaar are Dutch champions and have qualified for the Champions League. That's the level IFK Göteborg players should have as their goal." Sweden begin their U21 finals campaign against Belarus in Malmo on 16 June and face further Group A fixtures against Italy and Serbia, as they aim for a place in the 29 June final.