Estonia’s national team goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein is once again drawing attention across European football. The 23-year-old spent the recently concluded season with La Liga side Real Valladolid, making 31 appearances in goal. Despite his efforts, Valladolid endured a nightmare campaign, finishing rock bottom of the table and dropping back to the LaLiga 2 just a year after earning promotion.
However, Hein’s individual performances have not gone unnoticed. According to The Athletic, several other La Liga clubs are now eyeing the Estonian shot-stopper for a loan move ahead of the new season. Simultaneously, Arsenal — Hein’s parent club — are reportedly open to discussing a permanent transfer if the right offer comes in.
The likelihood of Hein departing Arsenal increased further today, as Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will sign with the club. The 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth from Chelsea, joins Arsenal to provide backup to David Raya — a move that pushes Hein further down the pecking order at the Emirates.
New speculation about Hein’s future has also emerged from Sportsboom, which reports that the Estonian is being targeted by three English Championship clubs: Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers, and Portsmouth. In the previous season, QPR finished 15th, Portsmouth 16th, and Preston North End 19th in the Championship standings. Real Valladolid — now back in the Spanish second division — are also said to be keen on retaining Hein for another campaign.
Arsenal are expected to seek a notable transfer fee for Hein, who joined the club at a very young age. Under the Premier League’s financial regulations (PSR), Hein is considered a “free asset,” meaning any sale would count as pure profit on Arsenal’s books — money that could then be reinvested in other signings.
Hein is under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2026.
Source: The Athletic
https://www.sportsboom.com/football/transfer-news-rumours/exclusive-arsenal-shotstopper-poised-to-leave-gunners-as-clubs-circle-for-his-signature/
