The 4th Official
·12 November 2021
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·12 November 2021
If a recent report from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet (as claimed by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic might secure the services of striking sensation Jordan Larsson in the upcoming transfer window. It would be an incredible transfer for the club given his father Henrik’s legendary status earned during his glorious realm as the Hoops ‘number 9’.
The iconic Swedish centre-forward fired in 242 goals in 313 Celtic appearances during his seven-year Glasgow stint. He also represented the heavyweights like Feyenoord, Barcelona and Machester United and his son, Jordan, is now aiming to emulate a similar success story after a great start to life in Russia with Spartak Moscow.
The Gladiators roped him in from IFK Norrköping for €4m back in the summer of 2019. He had a couple of productive campaigns while leading the line with 25 goals and 9 assists in 60 appearances. But his performance has not been the same in recent months as he found the net only once so far this season in 16 appearances across competitions. Russian FA chief Vyacheslav Koloskov branded him a ‘second division footballer’ following a disastrous 7-1 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg and Spartak Moscow are ready to listen to offers for the 24-year-old attacker.
Although they set an asking price of around £13m previously, his form and fitness concerns of late should see a significant drop in the demanded figure. The youngster grew up in Glasgow before his father left for Barcelona and a move to Parkhead would script an emotional return for both his family and the fans.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 04: Jordan Larsson of FC Spartak Moscow in action during the Russian Premier League match between FC Spartak Moscow and FC Arsenal Tula at Otkrytie Arena stadium on November 4, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
Despite a slow start, the Bhoys are enjoying a great run under Ange Postecoglou. They are closing in on Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings and the egress of Steven Gerrard for Aston Villa would bolster the odds of reclaiming the coveted crown from the Old Firm rivals. The majority of his summer signings have settled in and delivered early into the campaign and the fund raised from player sales has restored stability overcoming financial constraints. They are now well capable of a January spending spree and the addition of Larsson would inject more depth, variation and flexibility.
Predominantly a ‘number 9’, the Sweden international is also effective down the right or even as an attacking midfielder. He would challenge and cover Kyogo Furuhashi high up the pitch, however, his versatility would allow Postecoglou to tweak the set-up accordingly. The likes of West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund are also keeping close tabs on his situation and it is to be seen now whether the Celts succeed to tie him down next year.