The Reggae Boy officially put ink to paper on Friday after agreeing to personal terms and successfully completing a medical. While having only gone through one and a half seasons with AIK, the player is reported to have become unhappy with conditions at the club, with the main issue said to be playing time.

Stephenson's new contract with Aalesund will last for the next three and a half years.

A long-time prospect of coach Sören Åkeby, who took over at the club earlier this year, the burly 6' 2" central midfielder has been identified as the player to drive the club up the league table from almost the very bottom. In the 14-team league, Aalesund are currently in 12th place. According to the player, who lists playing time as his primary concern, he is satisfied with the move and welcomes the challenge.

"It a nice contract but right now it's more about getting playing time, I want to be on the pitch as much as possible," Stephenson told Star Sports.

"It's a new environment which will bring new challenges and I am really looking forward to meeting them head-on," he added.

"AIK was a club that was higher up in the table and Aalesund is struggling, but sometimes you have to take one step back to move forward," he said.