AIK's NIU football academy at Solna gymnasium is quietly producing elite talent at a remarkable rate. Four of its graduates, Alexander Isak, Yasin Ayari, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Isak Hien, are now full Swedish internationals. Academy director Niklas Wennberg is not hiding his ambition: "I have my eyes on the World Cup in eight years," he said, pointing to the 2034 tournament. The pipeline matters acutely right now, with AIK navigating a summer of significant squad turnover after selling young talents to Brighton and Fulham. Wennberg's track record suggests more are on the way.
