Sunderland player
Sebastian Larsson has been told he is free to find another club during this summer’s transfer window according to reports. With a year left on his contract, is now the right time for Sunderland to sever ties with Seb?
Time and time again when Sunderland have struggled in the Premier League there has been a small core of players within the red and white fold that have managed to drag the Black Cats over the finish line - Larsson has certainly been one of those individuals.
Admittedly, the
Sweden international was out of action for a good chunk of last season but, in the past at least, he has been relied upon heavily to continually pull the Black Cats out of the mire. What else does he offer?
Well, as a starter for ten, his commitment to the cause can’t be questioned. The passion he exudes even from the bench demonstrates he has the essential qualities to facilitate Sunderland’s great escape after great escape.
However, since
Sam Allardyce’s back room staff helped nurse the midfielder back to full fitness it’s ironically been his country, rather than club, that have benefited most. Speaking about Sweden’s Euro 2016 preparations recently Larsson had this to say:
“I feel fresh and ready for the tournament. I started the two friendlies and didn’t have a problem in getting through either of them. I’m in good shape and so is the squad overall. It’s not often you feel completely fresh going into the summer internationals or before the championships. It’s usually the other way around, but now it feels good.”
Certainly Sunderland’s number 7 was influential in Sweden’s recent friendly against Wales, despite failing to get on the score sheet. Therefore, with a solid Euro 2016 campaign under his belt could Sunderland see somewhat of a renaissance from Larsson during the 2016/17 Premier League season?
Personally, I suspect not as at 31, father time is ticking away. We have witnessed his ability to get around the pitch for the full 90 minutes diminish recently too and players such as Yann M’Vila and
Jan Kirchhoff have usurped Seb in that midfield role. His goals from set plays have also been nigh on non-existent in the last few seasons and as a result it’s likely Big Sam will be looking elsewhere this summer.
If there is any way Allardyce can generate some cash for Larsson and at the same time free up wages for re-investment in his squad then, on balance, I’d be happy for Seb to call time on his Sunderland career. After all, in football, that’s the name of the game.