Liverpool scouting Icelandic midfield sensation also admired by Man Utd

Liverpool have entered the race for Icelandic teenager Isak Bergmann Johannesson, according to reports.

Much of the focus about Liverpool’s potential transfer activity in January has been about signing a new defender to cover for the injured Virgil van Dijk.

However, a recent report suggested that they may not do so, instead favouring a long-term approach when looking for targets.

It appears that strategy applies to other positions as well. It has now emerged that they are monitoring a 17-year-old midfielder who looks to have a bright future.

Johannesson is the player in question. Born in Sutton Coldfield while his father Joey Gudjonsson was playing for Aston Villa, the teenager has already earned a move to mainland Europe.

Iceland under-21 international Johannesson joined Swedish side IFK Norrkoping from IA in his native Iceland in 2019. Since then, he has already contributed five goals from 29 games.

Now, a report from Expressen in Sweden claims that Norrkoping are resigned to the fact that Johannesson will not stay with them forever.

The report claims Liverpool sent their Scandinavian scout Mads Jorgensen to watch him play against AIK on Monday, in a 2-2 draw. Johannesson was not able to add to his three goals and eight assists in the Allsvenskan in 2020.

However, there is every chance that Liverpool will continue to watch the midfielder’s progress. And they are not alone – Expressen add that Manchester United and Juventus are also keeping tabs on him.

 

Norrkoping expecting to lose Johannesson

In addition to the named trio of European giants, Norrkoping chief scout Stig Torbjornsen has also told Expressen that Johannesson is attracting interest from several more big clubs.

However, he maintains that the Swedish club have no need to sell at the minute – but would be open to letting the player move on if the right opportunity came up.

He said: “It has been a great interest. It’s fun that we have many interesting players but it’s no secret that clubs are chasing Bergmann Johannesson.

“Norrkoping has quite a lot of money and no need to sell and Isak has a sensible agent and family who know what they want and when he should go.

“It’s no stress for us, it’s rolling on. When something comes up that is good for all parties, something may happen.


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“Yes (Liverpool are one of the clubs, but) you can name all 10 best clubs in Europe. Everyone has been here for him, they are all curious.

“Liverpool is a club, there are 10 others as well. It is normal and fun for the association and Isak himself.

“A club with a lot of money may appear tomorrow or in six months. It is good that Isak is calm and has a good counselor and family. Norrkoping has no stress.”

READ MORE: Klopp makes plea to Liverpool board as two clubs join Barcelona in race for midfield star