Sponsors:

• Home - Gabe Summers
• Away - Joseph Portch
• Training - Paul Bray

Finnish international Ilmari, known as 'Imi' joined the club in August 2023 on an undisclosed fee from Dundee United in Scotland.

The 26-year-old began his career in his native Finland with KuPs and in a seven year spell scored 13 goals in just under 150 appearances. During that seven years, he spent four separate loan spells at two clubs - PK-37 and KuFu-98, before he joined German 3.Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt in 2020 on a one-year deal, gaining promotion to the second tier.

In August 2021, Niskanen moved abroad for the first time, signing for Dundee United. He left the Tangerines with 61 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

Niskanen has played international football for his nation at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level before making his senior debut in 2020 against Wales in the UEFA Nations League. In only his second appearance for the 'Huuhkajat', he scored his first international goal, against Poland in Gdansk.

Ilmari's warm nature and enthusiasm quickly endeared him to the City faithful, with the Finn being awarded the PFA Community Champion at the 2024 End of Season Awards. He ended the season with 40 appearances.

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