A Swedish soccer club has started crowdfunding to re-sign fan-favourite player Curtis Edwards.
Edwards, 32, played for second-tier side Ostersund for four seasons from 2016 to 2019, registering 15 goals and 12 assists in 106 games.
The attacking midfielder signed a one-year contract at fifth-tier English club Gateshead in the summer, after his contract at League Two side Notts County was terminated by mutual consent, and has made 23 appearances this term.
Ostersund released a statement on Sunday appealing to their fans to raise 200,000 SEK ($22,326) for their “dream signing” ahead of the 2026 season, raising over half of that in 24 hours. The Swedish winter transfer deadline is on March 25 but Ostersund have set a self-imposed deadline of Sunday to raise the funds.
“We talked to Curtis a few weeks ago and after that everything has gone very quickly,” a club spokesperson told The Athletic on Monday.
“Curtis Edwards is very important player for Ostersunds FK and has a great history in the club. Our fans love him and when we saw an opportunity to take him ‘home’ we discussed with him and we informed him that we will try to raise money to sign him.
“After 24 hours, we have raised 125,000 SEK and our goal is 200,000 SEK to secure the signing of Curtis. We are very pleased for all our fans who are helping us to take Curtis to Ostersund again.”
Edwards played four league seasons (Robert Henriksson/AFP via Getty Images)
Ostersund were coached by former Brighton & Hove Albion and current Sweden boss Graham Potter between 2011 and 2018, a period in which they were promoted to the Swedish top flight — the Allsvenskan — from the fourth division, as well as winning the Swedish Cup. During that period, Edwards was part of a side that beat Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the 2017-18 Europa League.
Now in the second division, the Superettan, the potential surprise signing — which Ostersund’s statement said was “not initially intended or budgeted” — is seen as “crucial” for the season ahead.
“Any surplus will go towards future strengthening of the playing squad,” the club added. “Everyone who donates over 1500 SEK will be able to pick up their very own Curtis Edwards scarf in connection with the home premiere in Superettan!”
Ostersund finished 12th of 16 in last season’s Superettan and open the 2026 season against Varbergs BoIS on April 6.
The Athletic has approached Gateshead for comment.