Ivory Coast midfielder Axel Kouame says he remains focused on developing his career at AIK despite missing out on a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq during the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old attracted significant interest from the Saudi Pro League side, which reportedly made three offers for his services, with the final bid understood to be worth 40 million Swedish kronor.
Although AIK were reportedly willing to accept the latest proposal, the transfer did not materialise, ending what appeared to be a promising opportunity for the Ivorian to move to Saudi Arabia.
Kouame has since chosen to take encouragement from the interest rather than dwell on the disappointment, viewing it as recognition of the progress he has made since joining the Swedish club.
The midfielder discussed the failed transfer in an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, acknowledging the attention he received from Al-Ettifaq.
Reports at the time suggested negotiations collapsed because of issues surrounding the player’s personal circumstances.
Despite the setback, Kouame is determined to maintain his development and build on the performances that attracted interest from abroad.
“I feel fantastic. But I’m not finished yet,” he said.
The Ivorian has steadily established himself as an important member of the AIK squad since arriving in the summer of 2025 from Finnish side Inter Turku.
His performances in Sweden have helped raise his profile, with his attacking contribution particularly evident this season.
Kouame has scored five goals and provided three assists in 19 Allsvenskan appearances, starting 14 of those matches. Those numbers underline his growing influence in the team and help explain why Al-Ettifaq pursued his signature.
Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, the 23-year-old has become a valuable option for AIK as he continues to adapt to Swedish football.
His contract with the Stockholm-based club runs until the end of the 2029 season, giving AIK a lengthy period of control over his future.
For now, Kouame remains committed to the Swedish side and is looking to translate his recent progress into even stronger performances.
The interest from Al-Ettifaq may have offered a glimpse of a possible next step in his career, but the Ivorian appears determined not to allow the failed move to distract him from his immediate objectives.
At 23, he still has time to develop further, and his performances in the Allsvenskan will remain important as he seeks to establish himself at a higher level and attract further opportunities.
While a move to Saudi Arabia did not materialise, Kouame’s growing reputation suggests his performances at AIK are beginning to attract attention beyond Sweden.
