Manchester United are reportedly targeting a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson this summer but will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals for the 20-year-old midfielder.
Spanish outlet Fichajes (as relayed by Give Me Sport) reveal the Red Devils are “among the interested clubs” in Larsson with the Swedish international’s form in the Bundesliga earning him admirers at Anfield and the Emirates as well.
The report states, “[Larsson] has had a fantastic season at Frankfurt so far this campaign, and has also caught the eye of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, making a move to the Premier League this summer highly likely.”
However, Frankfurt are keen to keep the Swede in Germany and will “likely demand a big fee” to let him depart for England. And the Bundesliga club are firm negotiators as Manchester City found out in January after eventually agreeing a deal worth a potential €75 million for Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person in December revealed “Frankfurt would demand at least €50 million” for Larsson given the complete profile he possesses as a midfielder, even drawing comparisons to Manchester City powerhouse Rodri.
Possessing a 6’1 frame, Larsson is a well-rounded midfielder capable of affecting the game in either half. He is a strong tackler and tireless presser, while retaining the technical ability to evade the opposition press and progress the ball from deep.
The Swede has also chipped in with five goals from midfield this season – a desirable attribute for Ruben Amorim given the difficulties the Portuguese coach’s squad continue to demonstrate in front of goal.
The fee Frankfurt paid Malmö FF to bring Larsson to Germany was also a record received by a Swedish club, underscoring how highly-regarded the 20-year-old is by his current side.
And the fact that Fichajes contend Arsenal and Liverpool have now entered the fray for the Frankfurt star means the Bundesliga club will be hoping to drive this €50 million price tag even higher.
The financial situation at Old Trafford, driven by the acute pressure of PSR, means United may be somewhat restricted in the summer transfer market. The team’s desperate need for a reliable number nine, as well as additional reinforcements in the attacking midfield and wing-back positions, means a fee in excess of €50 million may prove difficult for United to meet.
However, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are both set to depart the club this summer while Kobbie Mainoo has been deployed further forward by Amorim in the past month.
This potentially leaves a big hole in the United midfield which the imposing frame of Larsson would fill with aplomb, even if it costs an arm and a leg to do so.
Featured image Christian Kaspar-Bartke via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
