SHARE

Djurgårdens IF midfielder Matias Siltanen has pretty much told the Swedish media he rejected a transfer to Manchester City this month.

Last week the 17-year-old signed for the Allsvenskan club, but there were reports of interest from the Premier League champions.

Speaking to Aftonbladet, the midfielder was asked about reports of ‘concrete interest’ from Manchester City.

Siltanen insinuated there was an opportunity to sign for the English side, but he felt a transfer to Djurgårdens IF would be the best choice at this stage of his career.

The former Kuopion Palloseura player said it was flattering being linked with the Etihad club and that it demonstrated he was doing the right things.

“Yes, it’s true. I do not want to say too much about it. But it was true, even though I decided to come to Djurgården. But of course, it was nice that such a big club was interested in me, because then you understand that you really have great potential. Not everyone gets to experience it,” said the young midfielder.

Siltanen made 18 starts in the recently concluded Veikkausliiga and his performances brought him to the attention of other clubs, including Manchester City, Djurgårdens IF and Hibernian.

The Swedish club managed to win the race for the highly rated youngster, signing him for a reported transfer fee of just over £1m. Hibs had reportedly offered £700k earlier in the transfer window.

He’s now tied to Djurgårdens IF until December 2027.