Norrkoping starlet Isak Bergmann Johannesson has confirmed his desire to stay in Scandinavia despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid, while speaking to the Norrkopings Tidningar.
Six years ago, Spanish giants Real Madrid fought off competition from Europe’s biggest and best to snap up the signing of a fresh-faced 15-year-old by the name of Martin Odegaard.
Flash forward to January 2021 and another skillful Scandinavian wonderkid is sending scouts into a tizzy across the continent.
Norrkoping talent-spotter Stig Torbjornsen admitted to Aftonbladet in the Autumn that there was ‘great interest’ in Johannesson, claiming that Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus had all been keeping tabs on the Allsvenskan schemer.
According to Defensa Central, meanwhile, an explosive, left-footed forward reminiscent of a young Gareth Bale also has admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Influential scout Juni Calafat, who played a key role in the deals that brought Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde and Odegaard himself to La Liga, is apparently keen to make Johannesson his latest project.
But, for the Birmingham-born Iceland international, a move can wait. For now, he is fully focused on staying and honing his considerable talents back in Sweden.
“I’ve always said that. There was something written in the media that I would not stay but I never said I was going anywhere. I will play this season with Norrkoping and I think it is very exciting with the new management team,” Johannesson explained.
“As I said, I have never intended to leave Norrkpping now. It feels great here. I will continue to develop here and have a better season than last year.
“I am only 17 years old, will be 18 in March, and there is no stress. I can get better here and, as you say, I have the patience to reach the top but it’s no stress to pull somewhere right now.”
Futbol Direkt believes that Johanesson is already valued at £7 million.
He produced an impressive 12 assists during his breakthrough season in 2020.
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