Jörgen Strand Larsen is not pleased with FC Groningen’s conduct. The striker is in the explicit interest of Middlesbrough, but is being rejected by the Pride of the North temporarily kept on board. If it’s up to Strand Larsen, his employer comes to the table with the Championship club and quickly comes to an agreement.
Groningen is holding its ground for the time being. A bid of ten million euros, made by the English Middlesbrough, has been Football International resolutely rejected by technical director Mark-Jan Fledderus, who plans not to let his top scorer go just before the start of the season. “We also want to perform,” he said. Previous offers of around seven million euros have also been rejected. Besides Middlesbrough, Bologna is also in the market for the Norwegian.
“There is a lot going on, everyone is already aware of that,” says Strand Larsen after the 6-1 ear wash visiting Ajax against Football International. “I am disappointed, especially with the way the club is handling the situation. When I signed for FC Groningen two years ago, I hoped it would go differently. I know that I am important to FC Groningen and I appreciate and cherish my role here, but I’m really disappointed with the club’s behavior.”
Strand Larsen had counted on more appreciation from his employer. “I had hoped that I would be respected enough to at least enter into negotiations with those clubs. That did not happen and I think that is a shame,” the attack leader continues. I get that I have a contract, but I’m a young boy who wants to make strides. The third club that has made a serious offer has now been rejected. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not angry, but the way the club reacts to other clubs does disappoint me.”
Impolite
According to Strand Larsen, Groningen is ‘rude’. “By that I mean: it is almost impossible to talk to them. From the perspective of the club I understand that they do not want to lose me as a striker and I also understand that you do not sit down with a club that offers five million, but we are now talking about more than double that, in my view, that is a different story. Then at least be open, start the conversation and see if you can get the maximum. The club is only trying to do that not.”