Is Pardew A Fool To Snub Larsson?

01 July 2011 10:27
Sebastian Larsson has formally completed his move to Sunderland after signing a three-year deal. But the Birmingham winger chose Newcastle ahead of the Mackems, and could Alan Pardew regret letting him slip through the net. Pardew tried to sign Larsson last January but the player snubbed the offer because he wanted to play at Wembley in the Carling Cup final against Arsenal. He got his dream - a winners medal - but his efforts to move to Tyneside on a free transfer were dashed when Pardew refused to get into talks with the player. It was a snub that suggested: "He had his chance", and perhaps Pardew has done right. But Larsson is a proven Premiership player ... unlike the French squad we seem to have aquired ... and he knows how tough the Premiership can be. The Black Cats confirmed last week that the duo would be playing on Wearside next season, but the moves would not officially go through until July 1. Bruce signed Larsson for the Blues for £1million in January 2007 after a successful loan spell, and he went on to make 170 appearances. Steve Bruce: "Seb was a fantastic young player for me at Birmingham and he has matured into a very good midfielder. "He has been courted by a number of top clubs over the summer - both in England and across Europe - so we are naturally delighted that he has chosen to come to Sunderland."

Source: FOOTYMAD