Oliver Månsson says he feels honoured that Manchester United, Leicester City, Watford and other clubs are following him, and IFK Göteborg leave the door open for a sale. 

The 17-year-old has been starring for the Swedish club since making his first team debut earlier this year. He has operated in the middle of the pitch, his preferred position, and occasionally as a defensive midfielder.

Månsson has played 1,452 minutes from 19 matches, managing two assists. His displays and potential have caught the attention of Manchester United, Leicester City and Watford.

Manchester United, Leicester and Watford trips

On Thursday, Sport Witness covered a report from Sweden explaining that the three English clubs’ scouts watched the youngster live in action in his side’s 1-1 draw against Djurgårdens IF on Wednesday.

Oliver Månsson played another full 90 minutes, allowing Manchester United, Leicester City and Watford’s officials to take a closer look. Besides the trio, AS Roma and SC Freiburg also had their scouts in attendance.

Sportbladet backs up these clubs’ scouting the Sweden U18 international and also spoke to him about their interest. The teenager believes that this is a sign of making progress.

“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,” he said.

With Manchester United and Roma in the mix, he says it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs.

Månsson explained: “They’re big clubs. Playing for one of them someday is a dream, of course.”

About the discussions with his agent, he added: “There are certain clubs being mentioned. I hear a little here and there. But we all agree on focusing on the present.”

Director says no contact with suitors 

The newspaper also spoke to IFK Göteborg director Jesper Jansson, who confirms there has been no contact with Manchester United, Leicester City, Watford or others.

Jansson said: “We haven’t heard anything concrete, but considering the level he plays at, his intelligence, his style of play, I haven’t seen anything like that in Sweden for a very, very long time. I’ve been around for a while, and the only player I can compare him to is Williot Swedberg.”

“No [contact with his suitors], but I think more and more people are starting to take notice of him now. Our team is starting to look like a top-tier team. That means our players are getting more attention, people are seeing the high level at which they can perform, even a guy who just turned 17.”

In July 2024, the Swedish club sold Malick Yalcouyé to Brighton & Hove Albion for a club-record fee of €7m. The director reveals their desire for Oliver Månsson to surpass that record.