Jordan Larsson admits that he was denied the chance to leave Spartak Moscow over the summer amid interest from Borussia Dortmund and Premier League high-flyers West Ham United, speaking to Fotbolskanalen.
The apple, it seems, did not fall far from the tree.
The son of Celtic and Sweden legend Henrik, Larsson Jr is quickly developing a reputation for himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
15 goals in 31 games last season was no mean feet either, firing Spartak to second place in the Russian Premier League table.
But while Larsson may have been hoping that a superb season in the capital would pave the way for a big-money move away from Moscow, Spartak had no interest in striking while the proverbial iron was hot.
Will West Ham return for Jordan Larsson?
Goal reported back in April that West Ham were interested.
Larsson was also mentioned as a potential replacement for the human wrecking ball that is Erling Haaland at German giants Borussia Dortmund.
“There were opportunities,” Larsson says when asked why he ended up staying at Spartak – not that he had much choice in the situation.
“They are my club and employer. I have a contract there, so I have to respect that. They know what I want. Then we will see what happens in the future.
“We will play in the Europa League and have a tough group there (Legia Warsaw, Napoli and Leicester City). A good stage to show off. So I’m just focusing on that and then we’ll see what happens in the future.
“But the ambition is to take the next step.
“Spartak’s plan for me was that I would be sold after two years. But now that it went so well for me, they did not want to let me go.”
Clearly, Larsson still has his heart set on a move to one of Europe’s major leagues sooner rather than later.
A couple of goals against the likes of Napoli and Leicester on the continental stage will do his chances no harm at all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
