English attacking midfielder, Jamie Hopcutt has been turning heads of late with his stunning performances for Swedish side, Ostersunds FK. The 25-year-old’s phenomenal performances in the Europa League and a stunning solo goal against Galatasaray in a 2-0 Europa League qualifying game has only enhanced his reputation.
With the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers interested in the player, Hopcutt could soon be on his way to England.
Spotted by the current Ostersunds FK manager and former Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion full back, Graham Potter, Hopcutt was offered an initial three-month deal. His improving form and impact on the team resulted in subsequent extensions and the player signed on the dotted line with better terms in 2014.
The 25-year-old has proved to be one of the more influential players in the team, helping the Swedish side win two promotions and are currently plying their trade in the Swedish top-flight. Hopcutt’s contribution was crucial in Ostersunds winning the Swedish Cup Final last year and underlines the club’s reluctance in parting with the player, but it may not be entirely up to them with various Championship and Premier League sides circling.
Valued at around £1.5m, many of the aforementioned clubs would be happy to pay more to secure the services of the player. The midfielder is in red hot form in the Allsvenskan, where seasons start by end of March or the beginning of April, having scored 5 goals in 8 games so far but may not stay beyond August. It goes without saying that Potter’s side would keenly feel the absence of Hopcutt, who since joining in 2012, has notched up 39 goals and 14 assists in 116 appearances in all competitions.
Aston Villa, under Steve Bruce this season, is one of the strongest Championship title contenders. They have so far pulled off a transfer coup of sorts by unveiling John Terry and naming him captain for the season. Bruce has also brought in Manchester United goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan.
Understandably, Hopcutt is an unknown quantity in England, and Villa supporters aren’t too psyched about the 25-year-old joining their team going by social media activity. Whether or not they’ll be in for a huge surprise, time will tell, assuming The Clarets manage to sign the player.
With Brighton and Hove Albion also interested in the Englishman, the added lure of top-flight football might swing the deal their way, but coming from the Allsvenskan, Hopcutt may be better off finding his feet in the Championship level first before making the jump.
