Jordan Larsson set to find new home as Celtic opt out

By Dave Flanigan

August 4, 2022

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Jordan Larsson’s return to Glasgow will be fully ruled out in the next 24 hours, with the forward is set to sign for Schalke.

Larsson spent his formative years in Glasgow whilst his father Henrik dominated Scottish football, and was reportedly offered to Celtic after tearing up his contract with Spartak Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, any lingering hope that a move could materialise before the end of this transfer window looks all but extinguished after Romano reported on Twitter last night that Larsson will complete a move to the newly-promoted 2. Bundesliga champions.

The 24 year old was reportedly offered to Celtic last month, but the club decided not to pursue a deal for the Sweden international.

An emotional return that would also have made football sense

Whilst it’s easy to imagine that links between Celtic and Larsson were inevitable given the esteem in which his father is held at the club, it’s a move that could also have made footballing sense for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Larsson is a highly versatile forward, with the ability to play across the front-line despite being used most often on the right – having also sporadically played as one of the advanced midfield “8”s.

Very much a modern, pressing attacker with pace to burn, he could also have fit Celtic’s remaining squad requirements given the uncertain futures of Mikey Johnston and Albian Ajeti.

Given his pedigree in the Russian league, it’s fair to assume that Larsson will have had no shortage of suitors across Europe and will have been able to chose his preferred move – few would begrudge it being a successful one for him with his inextricable links to Celtic.

In other news: “He has a lot of qualities” – Celtic defender continues to impress manager on second loan spell