Football Season Guide

HJK were Veikkausliiga champions in 12 of the past 16 seasons. They failed to win the title last season though. HJK ended up the regular season in second place and only a point off the top spot. However, the play-off run coincided with the most important few weeks on the international stage for HJK. Torn between the competitions they actually dropped down to third place in the final standings. Went winless in the play-offs – 2 draws and 3 defeats. Struggled finding a reliable striker all season in 2024. Lukas Plange was loaned in for the year from Crystal Palace but he scored just 6 league goals. This was still the joint-top goalscoring record at HJK for the year. Somewhat expectedly parted ways with the 3 main centre forwards this winter (Plange, Erwin and Meriluoto). Instead, signed the Finnish legend Teemu Pukki. The 35-year-old is expected to thrive back in his homeland. He will be supported by youngsters Ezeh and Hudd, both 19-years-old, who could thrive under Pukki’s guidance. HJK also boosted their midfield with the signings of experienced Ring and the promising Kallinen. They join an already talented core of midfielders (Kanellopoulos. Lingman and Hostikka). This should give HJK clear possession dominance in most matches. Defensively remain short on numbers. That said after an impressive first year as a senior youngster Boamah is likely to play even larger role in 2025. Tikkanen’s arrival is also seen as a great move and he’s likely to become a regular starter at the back.