Veton Berisha has made his return to Viking in a move that has divided opinion among the club’s supporters.
This marks the striker’s third spell at the Stavanger-based side. During his previous stint, he was a popular figure among fans and a key part of the team’s success. However, his departure to Hammarby IF created lasting tensions between player and supporters. At the time, Viking were determined to keep him, recognising his value on the pitch. Berisha, however, was intent on leaving and pushed hard to force the transfer.
A Complicated Return
The manner in which he engineered his exit left many fans frustrated, with some feeling betrayed. As a result, when Berisha was set to return to Norway in 2023, Viking opted not to re-sign him. Instead, he joined Molde, where he remained until a few weeks ago, when his contract was terminated.
Shortly after leaving Molde, Berisha rejoined Viking and publicly admitted that he had not handled his previous departure well. His return was met with mixed reactions, with some supporters prepared to give him another chance and others still holding resentment over past events.
Disappointing Early Performances
Since his return, Berisha’s on-field displays have done little to win over those who remain sceptical. In Viking’s recent match against Sandefjord, he came on as a substitute but failed to make an impact. Across his first two games back, he has managed just one assist.
According to TV2, football expert Yaw Amankwah was highly critical of Berisha’s latest showing, stating, “What he delivered is nowhere near good enough for Viking fans to forgive him.” VikingHordene manager Roar Åkerlund also voiced his disapproval, saying, “This is strange and incomprehensible. He let the club down the last time he was here. It makes quite a few people angry.”
For Berisha, the challenge now is not only to improve his performances but also to rebuild trust with the Viking faithful. Consistent contributions on the pitch will be crucial if he is to mend relations and re-establish himself as an important figure at the club. The coming weeks could prove decisive in determining how his third spell at Viking is ultimately remembered.
