Good way to end the season for Viking, and possible Bell in Norway, with the win and assist up north in Tromsø. It was already confirmed last week, but Viking received their bronze medals after the game today, as Eliteserien, unlike most leagues, offers medals for first, second and third. This season was the first since 2007 in which Viking have medalled, when they also finished third, behind Brann and Stabæk, both of whom are in the relegation zone this season.
Quite a few Viking supporters made the trip up, and it was an understandably good mood amongst them, with flares and the like at the end of the game. Bell and Stensness both looked well pleased with their efforts on Viking’s IG story. B82E4451-C4D7-4A0E-9742-58876EE25ABE.png2.57 MB
Looking forward, it could be a busy January for Bell, with possible discussions with other clubs to join half way through their season, and also the TBC All Whites games, so unlikely to be heading down for a summer Christmas. Barnsley were the talk around the start of their season, but didn’t eventuate, but I wonder if any continental interest exists. The route for big performers in Eliteserien isn’t typically into England, with a few exceptions, but more commonly Belgium, Netherlands or France, though Bell might be different as he has the UK passport so wouldn’t require him to meet the work permit rules, that many other Eliteserien players would not meet.
The last star young midfielder out of Viking, Kristian Thorstvedt (who was a substitute in the game that scouted Bell for Viking, the 2-0 vs Norway U20), moved to Genk in Belgium, so that could be a reference point for Bell.
Elsewhere, Bodø/Glimt managed to secure back-to-back titles today after beating last placed Mjøndalen 3-0 away. It’s an impressive feat for them, as they have had to balance Europa Conference League as well as the league, and despite setting the points record last year, they still probably lack the resources of Rosenborg (4th) or Molde (2nd). They also lost three key attacking players in Jens Petter Hauge, Phillip Zinckernagel and Kasper Junker who contributed a ridiculous 105 goals and assists between them in Eliteserien last year. Goes to show how well they’ve done to win the league again, having lost so much firepower, scoring only 59 goals this year.
Highlights. Viking in the white. Bell actually provides pre assist for the 1st goal, with a long diagonal ball, and then a lovely cross for 2nd headed goal.
You really get the feeling his time in Norway is done.
"Get that, aye? 2-0 win and third place. Europa Conference League qualification. Bronze medals for everyone. Joe Bell finishes his personal campaign with 27 appearances, all of them starts (he missed some time to go to the Olympics), with 1 goal and 8 assists playing from central midfield. 5 yellow cards too. Nobody played more minutes for Viking this year.
Bell was absolutely fantastic and don’t think that hasn’t been recognised. The good folks at Vikingpodden had him voted their player of the season. Shout outs are also in order for NZ Olympian Gianni Stensness who quickly won a place in the starting team after joining in the wake of the Tokyo Games and he was first choice from that point onwards.
So will Joe Bell be back in 2022? Word from Norway is that the club have already begun a dialogue with him (and also Veton Berisha) with regards to a new contract. However with one more year on his current deal and known interest from clubs overseas he may not want to sign that bad boy quite yet. There is a European campaign to entice him back. Plus it’s a strong league and he’s been playing great. Could be time for new challenges though...
Gianni Stensness, defence: He too was picked up this summer. Australian national team player. Good with ball. Fearless and tough in the challenge. Among the best this fall despite some mistakes. Still plenty of potential to improve his game. Will benefit from a full preseason, will develop.
Joe Bell, midfield: One of the Vikings' absolute best and most important players. Have one year left on the contract, Viking must use Christmas to put in place an agreement that makes Bell extend - and which at the same time does not stop him if the right club from abroad comes along.
I think it means he's the top performer in the Eliteserien statistically but not sure what the stats are based off
Yes it would seem so. Google Translate.
WINNER OF THE NTB STOCK EXCHANGE🏆
We congratulate Joe Bell on a great season for @vikingfotball. The New Zealander finally ended up at the top of NTB's player exchange in the @eliteserien!
He has rejected Viking’s contract extension offer, according to a Stavanger Aftenblad report(local newspaper) on the 12th. His contract runs until the end of 2022, so their decision is to whether sell now and get a fee, or keep a star player, in hope of capitalising on Bodø/Glimt cashing in and go on a title charge, but lose him for free in December. There’s a similar situation with their other star player Veton Berisha, so I’d imagine there’s a chance if one goes they both go, and vice versa.
Latest Joe Bell-roumors. Barnsley has put 3m € on the table - Viking will of course not accept this offer. Two Bundesliga clubs and at least one premier league club are preparing a bid. 7m € is the asking price, but it will most likely be more. I will get more news soon.
Latest Joe Bell-roumors. Barnsley has put 3m € on the table - Viking will of course not accept this offer. Two Bundesliga clubs and at least one premier league club are preparing a bid. 7m € is the asking price, but it will most likely be more. I will get more news soon.
Surely Barnsley is guaranteed relegation at this point and he'd be stuck battling in league one next season. Would he be better off at a Watford/Norwich type and trying to make an impact off the bench? Even if they get relegated should get some good minutes in the Championship which a lot of people said would be a good level for him.
I just think wherever he ends up, the future of NZ football/AWs is very exciting. The calibre of players in the midfield is now really unheard of before, for little ole NZ.
Singh highly likely to be in Bundesliga next season. Stamenic possibly close to making 1st team squad at Copenhagen. Garbett reportedly similar at Torino. Bell is going somewhere. And 27 yr old Ryan Thomas is still quality.
Get them all in an AWs match day squad, and no reason why the team can't be confident of getting to Qatar, and beyond.
Well not much time now if he is playing the second game to fly somewhere to do his medical thereafter. Especially if he has a boggle. Cant see it happening this window unfortunately
He was doing a medical in the UAE, that's why he missed the Jordan game, and the 'injury story' was a smokescreen in lieu of a big move to Burnley, after the Woodsman had a word in Dyche's ear a few months go.
But yeah interesting situation with him in camp with the AWs, and 2 Bundesliga clubs plus an EPL side, rumoured to be looking at making offers to Viking.
Well I’m betting a steak and cheese pie against anyone who wants to take the bet, that he won’t be moving this transfer window to a premier league or bundesliga club.
🚨🇩🇰Viking har mottatt et bud på Joe Bell fra Brøndby, får Nettavisen opplyst. Klubbene forhandler om en avtale for landslagsspilleren fra New Zealand🇳🇿 https://t.co/MmlAaLurAb
Steak and cheese pie anyone? Apparently today’s bid has come from Danish champions Brøndby, who currently sit third in the Danish Superliga, and are out of the Europa League after finishing bottom of their group.
Sounds like he may well be staying put based on what Piney is saying - when does his contract end? Are Viking risking losing him for nothing?
Then again, plenty of other sources saying a bid has been accepted, so I'm not quite sure what's going on. Can't say I had Denmark as front runner for his next destination!
Sounds like he may well be staying put based on what Piney is saying - when does his contract end? Are Viking risking losing him for nothing?
Then again, plenty of other sources saying a bid has been accepted, so I'm not quite sure what's going on. Can't say I had Denmark as front runner for his next destination!
Pretty sure he has another year to go on his contract with Viking. There is still the Euro Summer Transfer window (June-August) so Viking could sell him then still for a fee??
Stunning when you think Viking reportedly rejected circa €3mil from Barnsley
Gets the number 6 jersey. Potential Stamenic-Bell midfield duel in the near future, juicy
Great move for mine. Danish Champions last season and far from out of the running when this season resumes. He'll have a good crack at some silverware and opportunities to play in Europe.
Bargain deal for Brondby too. Could be an excellent piece of business by them in a couple of years time when someone comes knocking for him again.
As for the Barnsley offer of €3,000,000 - Still would have been a bargain deal, but their downfall is that they're in the mire and likely playing League One footy next season. Bell held the cards in his favour by not taking up the contract extension at Viking, so ultimately they had to let him go to get something for him. Bell could've also refused to sign for Barnsley too. But I guess that may come out in the wash, or indeed we will just never know. 🤷♂️
Anyway, lock in Denmark for the next wee while. 🔐
What a great path that place is turning out to be for All Whites and aspiring pro footballers from this part of the world.
Stunning when you think Viking reportedly rejected circa €3mil from Barnsley
Gets the number 6 jersey. Potential Stamenic-Bell midfield duel in the near future, juicy
Not to forget the Helsingor boys (yes they don't play in midfield) who are on target for promotion. Could be at least 4 Kiwis in Danish Superliga next season.
Brøndby have a 3 game warmup comp (The Atlantic Cup) next week, which includes Brentford FC B, Zenit & somewhat ironically a Norwegian side Valerenga. Played in Portugal. Not sure if the Brentford team is correct as isn't the Bees??? Anyway likely Bell will be straight into it.
While playing in the Superliga is a come down after the chat about EPL and the Bundesliga, if Bell can turn in a couple of good seasons and move on for 30m krone, then happy days.
Have said it before, but might as well say it again. This is really testament to the way the Nix are developing the younger players on these shores. I know Olé are doing a great job as well getting youngsters with potential into deals in Europe, and into colleges in the USA. But the fact remains, we are creating a production line down here that other clubs in the league would be envious of.
Sure, Bell didn't play for the first team here, but he spent a fair bit of time in the environment and with WeeNix. But with the likes of Cacace, Singh, securing moves recently and doing well in their respective careers thus far, really gives me hope that we'll continue to see talented Kiwi footballers make the move abroad to play professional football. It's a good look for the Nix, and really bodes well for the future of the AW's in general.
The big question after all of this is - Who's next? Exciting, unprecedented times ahead for NZ football.
I remember when I saw Bell play for the first time, I honestly thought to myself that he can play in the Premier League one day. Happy for his move to Brondby, a decent step up.
