Jordan Larsson looks increasingly likely to leave FC Copenhagen this summer, with Al-Ettifaq negotiating a deal for the striker.
Given Celtic’s long-running links to Henrik Larsson’s son, the latest development only strengthens the feeling that the Hoops made the right decision not to pursue him.
For Celtic supporters, it appears the final chapter is being written on a Larsson transfer story that lingered for years without ever becoming reality.
Celtic were regularly linked with Larsson because of his famous surname, but the club ultimately chose not to pursue a move.
Now, as the Swede edges towards a move to Saudi Arabia, that decision looks entirely justified.
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Celtic never moved beyond interest in Jordan Larsson
Larsson’s name surfaced repeatedly whenever Celtic were linked with attacking reinforcements. The connection was obvious given Henrik Larsson’s legendary status in Glasgow.
However, there was never any evidence of a formal Celtic bid. Interest remained speculative and no serious move materialised.
Celtic may look at the Larsson fee and wonder what might have been
The reported figures involved are hardly eye-watering in today’s market. According to reports from Denmark, Al-Ettifaq have offered around $1.2 million plus $300,000 in bonuses, while FC Copenhagen are seeking closer to $1.7 million with additional performance-related payments.
Even at the higher end of those negotiations, the overall package is relatively modest for a 28-year-old forward coming off a season in which he recorded more than 40 appearances, 16 goals and nine assists.
That does not mean Celtic should regret passing on him. The club clearly identified other priorities and never progressed beyond tentative links.
However, with Larsson now seemingly available for a fee well below what many clubs pay for established attackers, some supporters may wonder whether Celtic should have taken a gamble when the opportunity was there.
Celtic can still respect Larsson’s achievements
This is not a case of Celtic avoiding an unsuccessful player. Larsson enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign with FC Copenhagen, recording more than 40 appearances, 16 goals and nine assists across all competitions.
Those are respectable numbers, but they were not enough to convince Celtic to make him a priority target.
Celtic look set to see the transfer saga finally end
Current reports suggest Larsson has agreed personal terms with Al-Ettifaq, although negotiations between the clubs are continuing.
If the move is completed, it will effectively close one of the most persistent Celtic transfer stories of recent years.
Celtic deserve credit for avoiding Larsson sentiment
Supporters naturally viewed Larsson through the lens of his father’s legacy, but recruitment decisions cannot be based on sentiment.
Celtic chose to look elsewhere and the passage of time suggests that was the correct call. Larsson has built a solid career of his own, yet nothing in his subsequent career suggests Celtic missed a player they simply had to sign.
Celtic were right not to sign Jordan Larsson purely because of his surname. Yet with the figures now being discussed, supporters may still wonder whether the club missed a low-risk opportunity to add proven experience to the squad.
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