Estonian Premium Liiga side Tartu JK Tammeka have announced the signing of Finnish defender Oliver Kangaslahti, who will experience football outside Finland for the first time in his career.
The 25-year-old centre-back arrives from FF Jaro, where he spent last season. Kangaslahti made 16 senior appearances during the campaign, including five matches in Finland’s top division.
Over the course of his career, Kangaslahti has represented several Finnish clubs, including Inter Turku, Mikkelin Palloilijat, AC Kajaani, and HIFK Fotboll. It was with HIFK that he made his Veikkausliiga debut in the 2022 season, playing six matches at the highest level of Finnish football.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Tammeka head coach Karel Voolaid explained that strengthening the centre of defence was a clear priority from the very start of preseason.
“We reviewed a large number of profiles, and Oliver stood out due to his strong academy background and experience at top-flight level,” Voolaid said. “We gained a very good overview of him as a player – not only through video and data analysis, but also by speaking with his former coaches, who gave us very positive feedback.”
The Tammeka coach also highlighted the physical attributes the 1.88-metre-tall defender brings to the squad.
“Kangaslahti adds height and physical presence to our back line,” Voolaid noted. “He is a player who has progressed step by step and now needs a full season in a top division.”
For Kangaslahti, the move represents an exciting new challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in a new league,” the Finnish defender said. “I hope we can achieve the goals we’ve set as a team. I’ll help in every way I can – maybe even by scoring a few goals from corners.”
Describing himself, Kangaslahti added: “I think I’m an aggressive centre-back, strong in duels, and comfortable using both feet.”
The defender has already begun settling into life in Estonia and says he has been warmly welcomed by his new club.
“I’ve had some time to look around the city,” Kangaslahti smiled. “Tartu feels a bit like Finland – just colder.”
Source: https://www.jktammeka.ee/post/tere-tulemast-tartusse-ja-tammekasse-keskkaitsja-oliver-kangaslahti
