Waylon Renecke: Hammarby sign South Africa-England centre-back from Copenhagen U19 in 450k deal

Hammarby have completed the signing of centre-back Waylon Renecke from FC Copenhagens U19 side in a permanent transfer worth 450,000. The 20-year-old defender joins the Allsvenskan club with an estimated market value of 300,000, moving from Danish youth football into Swedens top flight.

Renecke, a left-footed central defender, holds both South African and English nationality and was born in Peterborough on 12 May 2006. Standing at 1.87m, he strengthens Hammarbys defensive options as they add a developing player with recent first-team experience on loan in Scandinavia.

The move follows a busy 18 months in Reneckes early career, during which he has gained senior exposure in both Sweden and Denmark. After leaving Norwich Citys youth setup for FC Copenhagens U19s in September 2024, he spent the first half of the 202526 season on loan at Swedish side Orgryte IS and then joined Danish club Esbjerg fB on loan in February 2026.

Reneckes progress has been reflected in a rapid rise in his valuation. While at Orgryte IS in 2025 his estimated market value increased from 125,000 to 200,000, before climbing again to 300,000 during his loan spell with Esbjerg in May 2026. Hammarby have now committed a fee above that latest valuation to secure his services.

The transfer places Renecke back in Sweden, this time at Allsvenskan level with Hammarby after previous experience in the country with Orgryte IS.