Vålerenga Fotball has sold club captain Henrik Bjørdal to Viking just before the transfer window closed. The sale prompted chairman Søren Eriksen to resign from his position with immediate effect.
Søren Eriksen stepped down as chairman of Vålerenga Fotball immediately after the transfer of Henrik Bjørdal was confirmed. He stated he no longer had confidence in the club's direction. This dramatic development followed the club's sale of talent Filip Thorvaldsen to Dutch side Twente for around 60 million kroner three weeks prior. That remains the largest sale in the club's history.
The club currently sits in 11th place in the Eliteserien, six points above the relegation playoff spot. They have not won a league match since July 26th, a weakness highlighted by last weekend's 2-2 away draw against Sarpsborg 08. The final match before the international break yielded a point, but the team's recent form shows no wins in their last three outings.
Football expert Lars Tjærnås commented on the difficult period for the club. "Right now I believe everyone in the club must put Vålerenga ahead of themselves, and they must point out a clear, distinct and credible direction and strategy for the way forward," Tjærnås said. "They must by all means avoid a civil war internally now."
Former captain Jonatan Tollås Nation has also given his assessment of the sale. Manager Johannes Moesgaard has a different focus. "We were in the Obosligaen two years ago and some teams are relegated every year," Moesgaard said. "My focus is to look upwards and see opportunities to win matches. We cannot fly around thinking everything will go wrong."
Twelve matches remain in the Eliteserien for Vålerenga. The fixtures include local derbies against Lillestrøm, Fredrikstad and KFUM Oslo, as well as meetings with top sides like Bodø/Glimt and Rosenborg. The first challenge after the break is an away derby against Lillestrøm on September 12th.
The team's fixtures show a tough run-in to the autumn season. They must also manage the absence of two key players. According to the club's injuries list, both F. Ambina and M. Sjoeng are currently sidelined.
Tjærnås still believes the club will secure their Eliteserien status. With a six-point cushion to the direct relegation zone and a five-point lead over the playoff spot, they have a small buffer. But the lack of wins since July creates pressure that must be lifted. The team's standings position requires immediate improvement to avoid a nerve-wracking autumn.
Vålerenga face Lillestrøm at Åråsen stadion on September 12, 2026.
