Onni Valakari’s career continues in the MLS in the ranks of San Diego. Valakari wants to be the driving force of the new team.
Many remember Onni Valakarin to a brilliant goal against France in autumn 2020, when Finland sensationally won the training match 2–0.
The world-class hit made with a left-footed shot instantly made the then 21-year-old Valakar one of the most sought-after players on the football website Transfermarkt. However, Valakari’s career has not received such a lift since then as expected.
Now 25-year-old Valakar is being offered a chance for a new rise.
The midfielder gets into a tougher league than the Cyprus main league and Allsvenskan, where world stars play About Lionel Messi since.
Valakari has signed a one-year loan agreement with San Diego FC, which plays in MLS in the North American soccer league.
San Diego FC is a new MLS expansion team, which means Valakari will be moving to a completely new club.
– I don’t think people realize how hard it is to join a new team in MLS. I have been noticed and given a chance. This is a really big step for me. I have always wanted to play in MLS, Valakari tells Urheilu.
“I hope I can continue here”
The MLS season starts at the end of February. Valakar, who has already moved to the landscapes of San Diego, will start a six-week camp next.
According to the player, the biggest challenge is getting to know new teammates and finding a common style of play. Every player is new to the club.
– We are all in the same boat. It will take some time to remember all the players’ names. There are six intense weeks ahead. I’m waiting for the season to start, my body feels good and strong.
Valakar has a contract until 2027 with the Cypriot main league team Pafos.
– But in practice the head is now here and this is where I want to play. Now a year of hard work and good games, so hopefully I can continue here, Valakari, who is excited about the new season, says even before the start of the season.
Valakari says that he received offers not only from San Diego, but also from Turkey and, for example, from the 2nd Bundesliga and Belgium, but he chose MLS after discussions with the club.
– The club expects me to take a big role. I want to be a good player. I like to become part of something new and build history. The long-term goal is to win MLS, the player downloads.
Valakari has already been in contact with a Finnish player playing for Inter Miami to Robert Taylor. Finns also play in the series, among other things Robin Lod and Teemu Pukki.
– I talked to Taylor and he said that I would definitely like it. MLS has overtaken the European mid-level series, the Valakari line.
“We had a verbal agreement with AIK”
Valakari moved to Pafos in 2020 and last fall played on loan for the Swedish premier league team AIK.
In the Swedish main league, Valakari made a good mark and scored two goals and three assists in ten games. Valakari also made it back to the national team.
– I had a great time at AIK. It was a good reminder that I can play football.
According to Valakar, his strengths are not fully understood in Finland.
– I don’t know why there is such an image in Finland that Onni can’t defend and Onni is physically weak. If you look at the statistics, it’s not true.
Why didn’t Valakari continue at AIK?
This question is answered by Valakar’s player agent Daniel Minovgidis.
– We had a verbal agreement with AIK regarding Onni’s contract. AIK had a purchase option, but they did not exercise it by the agreed date because they wanted to negotiate with Pafos. This was a little surprise for us.