Abdulhafiz TeslimManchester United and Newcastle United have both held talks with representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson as the race to sign the gifted young midfielder gathers pace, FootballTransfers has been told.
Sources close to the player have revealed to FootballTransfers that initial contact has been made by both Premier League clubs as they assess a potential move for the 22-year-old Sweden international, who is open to leaving the Bundesliga side.
Neither of the Premier League clubs has yet made an official bid for Larsson, who has developed into one of the standout midfielders in Germany since his €9 million move from Malmö in 2023.
Frankfurt want €50m for Larsson
Manchester United have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to bolster their midfield this summer, but the Red Devils are hoping to add a third player to their options in the centre of the park.
It is widely expected, however, that the next arrival will be a marquee signing capable of elevating the team’s level and helping them challenge for the Premier League title. Although Larsson possesses immense potential, he is not yet widely regarded as fitting that profile.
Newcastle’s interest also carries added significance. The Magpies are still fighting to retain Bruno Guimarães, who is wanted by Arsenal. However, they are preparing for every eventuality. Should the Brazil international depart, Larsson is viewed as a player capable of filling the void thanks to his energy, athleticism and box-to-box style.
Eddie Howe’s side have also missed out on several top transfer targets to rival clubs over the last 12 months. The latest is midfielder Johan Manzambi, who is expected to join Aston Villa from Freiburg, but the Geordies are determined not to let Larsson become the latest player to slip through their grasp.
Any deal will have to be agreed with Frankfurt, who are in a strong negotiating position given that Larsson remains under contract until 2029.
As such, the Bundesliga club is holding out for a transfer fee in the region of €50 million—significantly above the box-to-box midfielder’s €27.6 million Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).
While talks have been held with Larsson’s representatives, neither Premier League club has taken the step of making an official offer.
Hugo Larsson: Expert Opinion
Larsson, who has been billed as “Declan Rice 2.0,” is coming off an average season, says Bundesliga expert Tom Weber, who insists the problems were not necessarily of the youngster’s own making.
«”Larsson is planning to take the next step in his career this summer,” Weber told FootballTransfers. “However, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Frankfurt will receive their desired fee for the youngster. He simply hasn’t justified his price tag this season.»
«”It is important to note, though, that it hasn’t all been his fault. On the contrary, it has been a hugely difficult season for Frankfurt.»
«”Larsson is a box-to-box midfielder, but he is at his best when he has a more defensive-minded player next to or behind him. In previous seasons, Ellyes Skhiri’s impressive form allowed the Swede to interpret his role more freely and take on fewer defensive responsibilities. But Skhiri, now 31, had a very difficult season. He seems to have lost a step and perhaps a little focus, and Frankfurt don’t really have anyone else like him in the squad. This had a destabilising effect on both the team and Larsson.»
«”Despite everything, given his impressive potential, signing Larsson could be a gamble worth taking.”»
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
