Estonian international defender Erko Tõugjas is taking the biggest step of his career so far, leaving his home country for the first time to join Swedish top-flight side Halmstads BK on a contract running until the end of 2029. The 22-year-old, who only recently returned to the national team after a year and a half away, was officially unveiled by the Allsvenskan club.
A product of the Nõmme United academy, Tõugjas has spent the last four seasons with Flora, where he developed into one of the most complete and dominant defenders in the Estonian league. This year he delivered his finest season yet: 33 league matches, seven goals, and a major role in securing Flora’s Premium Liiga title. In total, the 192 centimeter tall defender has played 94 matches and scored nine goals in Estonia’s top flight.
Halmstad, who finished 11th in Allsvenskan this season, see Tõugjas as a long-term investment and a player ready to make the leap into a more demanding league. With four Swedish league titles in club history, Halmstad are aiming to build stability and believe that the young Estonian fits perfectly into their project. He also becomes the first Estonian player ever to represent the club.
According to club director Jesper Westerberg, the transfer happened almost by accident. The Swedish side had initially been scouting another player in the Estonian league, but Tõugjas immediately stood out. His performances were, as Westerberg described, “completely outstanding,” prompting the club to shift their full focus toward signing him. Reaching an agreement with Flora required creativity, as Halmstads are not a club known for paying large transfer fees, but both sides eventually found a solution that aligned with their long-term plans.
Westerberg openly praised the move as mutually beneficial, emphasizing that Allsvenskan provides a strong platform for Tõugjas to grow both athletically and economically. He also highlighted the defender’s qualities: pace, composure on the ball, leadership in the back line, a reliable left foot, and – perhaps most importantly – a winning mentality shaped by multiple league titles and responsibilities such as taking penalties at Flora. The club takes pride in operating “under the radar,” securing promising talents before they draw widespread attention.
Source: https://www.hbk.se/nyheter/2025/november/hbk-varvar-estlandsk-landslagsspelare
