BREAKING: £50m midfielder who previously rejected Chelsea, also Turned down Liverpool bids, commits to his long term admiration to Join Mancity and replace Kevin Debruyne after following his path from youth to current level
Manchester City have entered discussions regarding the potential signing of Hugo Larsson, according to a reliable journalist. The young Swedish midfielder, currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, has also attracted interest from several other elite European clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. Interestingly, Larsson previously turned down an opportunity to join Chelsea, making his current Premier League links even more intriguing.
Larsson’s Rise to Prominence in the Bundesliga
Hugo Larsson joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 after moving from Swedish side Malmo. Since his arrival in Germany, the 20-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Bundesliga. His performances have been instrumental in Frankfurt’s strong campaign, as they aim for a top-four finish and prepare for a high-stakes Europa League quarter-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Larsson played 38 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His current season has been even more impressive, with six goals and one assist in 37 appearances across all competitions, further cementing his reputation as a top talent.
Manchester City’s Interest and Transfer Competition
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester City are actively pursuing Larsson and have already initiated discussions over a potential summer move. Notably, the young midfielder himself is open to the prospect of joining Pep Guardiola’s squad at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Manchester City face two significant challenges in their pursuit of Larsson. The first is competition from other top clubs, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham keeping a close eye on the Swedish international. Additionally, several Bundesliga clubs are monitoring his situation, which could further complicate negotiations.
The second hurdle is Eintracht Frankfurt’s firm stance on Larsson’s valuation. The German club is reportedly demanding a minimum of €60 million (£50.2m, $65m) for their prized midfielder. Given that Larsson is under contract until 2029, Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell unless a substantial offer is made.
Journalist’s Insights and Transfer Race Intensifies
Florian Plettenberg provided insights on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Exclusive | Manchester City have entered the race for Hugo #Larsson! The 20-year-old top midfielder is keen on their interest. Eintracht Frankfurt have been informed, and initial talks have taken place. #MCFC. Boss Markus Krösche is demanding at least €60m. Larsson is under contract until 2029. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and several other teams, including top Bundesliga clubs, are also monitoring him.”
Larsson’s Past Premier League Link: Turning Down Chelsea
This is not the first time Larsson has been linked with a move to the Premier League. At just 17 years old, he had the chance to join Chelsea after training with their academy and impressing in a match. However, the young midfielder decided against making the move, prioritizing his development in Sweden instead.
In an interview with Expressen in April 2022, Larsson reflected on his experience:
“It was a great experience to train and play with Chelsea. I even had the opportunity to participate in a tournament in Belgium, where I managed to score a goal. However, the move felt too soon for me. I believed it was better to continue my development at Malmo and establish myself before considering a transfer abroad.”
Manchester City’s Other Transfer Plans
While City are keen on signing Larsson, they are also exploring reinforcements in other positions. Reports indicate that they have joined the race for AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, with concerns that current first-choice Ederson could leave the club at the end of the season. Chelsea are also interested in Svilar, setting up another potential transfer battle.
Additionally, City are monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. However, they will have to compete with Manchester United, and Everton remain adamant that they will not sell the talented English defender.
The Unresolved Premier League Charges Against Manchester City
Meanwhile, speculation continues regarding the 115 charges brought against Manchester City by the Premier League. The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently provided an update, stressing that while there has been talk of an imminent verdict, no official timeline has been confirmed.
“People have been saying things like ‘imminent,’ ‘this week,’ ‘tomorrow’ for ages now, but that just shows how little most of us actually know. Only a small number of people involved in the process have real insight. The expectation within Man City has been ‘spring,’ which means it could be any time between now and late June. However, until we hear something official from the Premier League or the club, it remains speculation.”
Conclusion
Manchester City’s pursuit of Hugo Larsson is gaining momentum, but with several top clubs interested and Eintracht Frankfurt holding firm on their valuation, securing the Swedish midfielder’s signature will be no easy task. Whether Larsson makes the move to the Premier League remains to be seen, but his rapid development and growing reputation suggest he is destined for a big move sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, City’s transfer strategy extends beyond midfield reinforcements, as they continue to explore options for a new goalkeeper and defensive reinforcements. Guardiola’s squad may look very different by the time the summer transfer window concludes.
