Chelsea, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City are among the clubs chasing Oliver Månsson and could hold talks with IFK Göteborg.
The 17-year-old’s rise at the Swedish club hasn’t gone unnoticed in England. Leicester City have already shown interest, and Chelsea and Bournemouth have joined the race.
He came up through the ranks of their youth system and made his first team debut earlier this year. Månsson’s preferred role is in the middle of the pitch, and made 21 appearances for IFK Göteborg, contributing two assists.
The youngster has mainly operated in his preferred position and occasionally [four times] as a defensive midfielder so far.
Chelsea, Bournemouth and Leicester send scouts
His development at the Allsvenskan side have already seen him attract interest from the UK.
On October 29th, Sport Witness covered a report from Sweden explaining that Leicester City, Manchester United and Watford scouted him.
A day later, when asked about these clubs, he said: “It’s really great that the clubs are here. If they’re watching me, that’s proof to me that I’ve done well. But I’m focusing on the here and now. It’s really great; it gives me an extra boost of confidence. Then things often go better on the field, too.”
Leicester City continue to send their officials to Sweden. Besides the Foxes, Sportbladet states Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth scouted Oliver Månsson at the weekend.
The trio, along with unnamed Ligue 1 sides, had officials in attendance to follow him live in action in his side’s goalless draw against Malmö. The teenager played the full 90 minutes.
Player and head scout respond
The newspaper also spoke to the Sweden U18 international. With the growing interest, he has to decide at some point about his future. They specifically asked Oliver Månsson when he will end up in this situation.
He said: “That’s something you discuss with your agents. There’s a window opening up now; we’ll see what happens. I haven’t talked about it much, I’m focusing on the rest of the season, so we’ll see,” says the young talent.”
“When I was little, I liked Barca, as I have said before… It is a big step. I’m open to a lot. It should be good and must suit my game too.”
“We’ll see if I stay or go. If I stay, I just have to continue with Blåvitt and hopefully have a good spring too.”
This week, IFK Göteborg head of scouting David Vukovic will be in Lisbon for Transfer Room. The event will see several officials from European clubs, agents and others under one roof.
During this trip, the Swedish club’s official will hold talks with unnamed Premier League sides.
“Looking at the meetings that are scheduled, there are significantly more major clubs that we’ll be meeting with,” Vukovic explained.
When asked if they are Premier League sides, he concluded: “Yes, among others. There are a few from there, a few from the Bundesliga. You can tell there’s more interest now in scheduling meetings with IFK Göteborg than before.”
Månsson will turn 18 years of age in August 2027 and can’t play for an English club until then. However, his suitors from the UK can now strike an agreement for him to arrive next summer.
