The Swedish for whirlwind is the quite wonderful virvelvind, and that’s what Andreas Granqvist is at the centre of on Tuesday.
Even though the story of Manchester United interest only broke a few hours ago, it’s worth having a recap on what has been said.
From nowhere, FotbollDirekt reported ‘several secure sources’ had told them the Helsingborg defender is an option for the Premier League side in January, potentially on a loan deal similar to the way Henrik Larsson moved in 2007.
FotbollDirekt quoted Granqvist as saying: “I know that there is a lot of interest for me. United is incredibly flattering but I have not heard anything concrete yet.”
Then Aftonbladet, a Swedish newspaper, contacted Helsingborg for their take.
President Krister Azelius said: “If Andreas and his family would like to move, we cannot close the door for a good deal. I have received the news about interest from Manchester United for Granqvist through the media. Contacts haven’t been brought to the club.
“Several of the younger players in Manchester United’s defence may be better footballers than Andreas, but they lack his managerial skills, routine and attitude.”
Now Aftonbladet have spoken to the player’s agent, Martin Dahlin, and quizzed him on the claims, to which the experienced representative replied: “Having been one of the World Cup’s best defenders, and scoring two goals, it’s natural that the interest in Granqvist, despite his age, is great.
“Otherwise, I have no comments and, as you know from before, I never comment on specific clubs.”
They’ve also asked Per-Ola Ljun, Helsingborg coach: “I’ve never heard anything about this, it’s the first time. So, unfortunately, it’s nothing I can comment on.”
If this has all been a big plan to get Granqvist in the media, and push his availability for a transfer out there, then it’s working very well already.
Helsingborg insist they’ve had no direct contact. The player’s agent won’t comment directly on it, but has talked up interest generally. FotbollDirekt spoke to Granqvist and say the information is from several sources.
Joining the dots together, it would appear those sources, unless at Manchester United’s end, which is unlikely, are probably closely connected.
A real virvelvind.
