Nõmme Kalju FC, the reigning Estonian Cup champions announced today the signing of Estonian striker Mattias Männilaan on a long-term contract set to run until 2028.
The 23-year-old forward returns to his homeland after spending the past six months abroad with Lincoln Red Imps FC, the most decorated club in Gibraltar.
Männilaan, a product of FC Flora Tallinn’s youth academy, spent five solid seasons at FC Kuressaare before his international venture. During his time at Kuressaare, he amassed 154 appearances and scored 65 goals.
In January 2025, the young striker took on a new challenge, joining Lincoln Red Imps. Despite the short stint, Männilaan made a meaningful impact, featuring in 12 matches and finding the back of the net three times, contributing to the club’s successful championship campaign.
Head Coach Nikita Andrejev praised the acquisition:
“Mattias is a powerful, determined, and mobile striker who fits perfectly into Kalju’s tactical system. He knows how to work between defensive lines, uses his body intelligently, and has a natural instinct for scoring goals. He’s still developing, and we see tremendous potential in him.”
Männilaan himself is equally enthusiastic about this new chapter:
“I’m thrilled to join Kalju. This is a new and ambitious step for me. I’m especially looking forward to competing in European competitions and creating unforgettable moments for the fans at Hiiu. The upcoming Conference League matches against FK Partizan are a thrilling challenge — but these are the kinds of games we live for. I’m ready and will give everything for the team,” the striker said.
Kalju FC President Kuno Tehva highlighted the club’s long-standing interest in the player:
“We’ve been following Mattias for a long time — he’s one of the most intriguing forwards in the Estonian Premium Liiga. His physical strength, game intelligence, character, and work ethic make him a player with real potential to reach new heights at Kalju. We share a clear vision, and we’re confident this partnership will lead to great results.”
Nõmme Kalju FC, currently sitting third in the Premium Liiga table with 37 points from 18 matches, will host Albanian side FK Partizani in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League at the start of July.
Source: https://jkkalju.ee/kalju-astus-suvele-vastu-joulise-taiendusega/
