Niklas Gunnarsson

Niklas Gunnarsson (born 27 April 1991) is a Norwegian footballer, who plays as a defender for the Allsvenskan side Djurgårdens IF. Gunnarsson has previously played for Odd, Swedish club Elfsborg, Scottish club Hibernian and Norwegian club Vålerenga.
He is the son of former football manager Ronny Geson Gunnarsson. He is known for his trademark long throw-ins, good crossing ability and offensive play.

Gunnarsson made his senior debut on 25 March 2012 against Sogndal, they lost the game 0–4.

His contract with Odd expired after the 2013 season, and in October 2013 he signed a three-year contract with Vålerenga and joined the club in January 2014.

Gunnarsson was Vålerengas first choiche right back during the 2014 season, starting 29 out of 30 matches in the Norwegian Premier League. Gunnarsson fell out of the team in the following season, after coach Kjetil Rekdal made several changes after a poor display from the team in the Norwegian Football Cup. Gunnarsson later left for Swedish side IF Elfsborg on a loan, a move that left several of Vålerengas fans dismayed after his several good performances in the previous season.

In Sweden Gunnarsson played 11 matches in the Allsvenskan, scoring one goal and assisting another.

"Niklas is an extremely professional player both on and off the pitch and he has done a great job for Elfsborg in his time here. He has been held in high esteem by his team mates and I would like to give him the best recommendations and wish him the best of luck in the future"' – Elfsborg head coach Magnus Haglund speaking about Gunnarsson leaving the club.

On 5 January 2016, he joined Scottish Championship side Hibernian on loan until the end of the 2015–16 season. He made his debut on 9 January in a Scottish Cup fourth round 2–0 win against Raith Rovers. His first goal for the club was the third goal in a 3–2 win against Rangers on 20 April. Gunnarsson also recorded a goal against Queen of the South on May 1. He appeared as a substitute when Hibs won the 2016 Scottish Cup Final.

On 9 August 2016, he joined Allsvenskan side Djurgårdens IF on a two-and-a-half year deal. He was given number 28. Ahead of 2017 Gunnarsson had his shirt number changed from 28 to 5.

Gunnarsson received his first international call-up from the Norwegian national football team for friendlies against Portugal and Belgium in May 2016, coming on as a substitute in the 86th minute against Portugal.

As of 19:53, 23 May 2016 (UTC)

Player

Hibernian

• Scottish Cup: 2015–16

• "Scottish Cup final: Rangers 2-3 Hibernian - BBC Sport". BBC Sport. BBC. 21 May 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2016.