Real Madrid lure could be too great for Swansea chief to resist
Published:After guiding Swansea to the first piece of major silverware in the club’s history, Michael Laudrup’s services are thought to be highly coveted this summer.
Out of work when approached by the Swans last year, Laudrup has seamlessly integrated into the Welsh club, building on and developing an aesthetically pleasing playing style.
It is a style that has brought great success too, with the Jacks’ unexpected League Cup triumph marrying with a current top-half Premier League standing.
And the Dane has shown he has an eye for a player too, with summer addition Michu the undoubted signing of the season, costing only £2m and posting a return of 19 goals in all competitions so far.
These factors considered, it is unsurprising to see a host of European giants linked with the former Getafe manager, whose reputation in world football remains huge from his time as a player.
We make Laudrup 5/2 to leave the Liberty Stadium by the end of the summer transfer window, whilst he is 1/3 to still be at the Swans helm by that date.
What could play a massive part in deciding Laudrup’s future is a tilt at European competition next season, as Swansea prepare for a debut Europa League run.
The opportunity to guide the Swans through their first European adventure will be an appealing proposition, but the chance to join the club with the richest European pedigree in football may be more so.
Indeed, Real Madrid are thought to be in the hunt for Laudrup, as they search for Jose Mourinho’s successor this summer.
The La Liga giants, who Laudrup turned out for as a player, are 2/1 favourites to become the manager’s next club, and their chances are strengthened by his admission he will return to Spain one day.
In response to speculation, Laudrup said: “It is a pleasure that the fans think that I could be the next Real Madrid manager, we will see what happens in June or July.”
That statement could deter punters from taking the 9/2 odds about Laudrup next returning to Barcelona, whilst he is 16/1 to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Arguably the greatest player Denmark has ever produced, Laudrup is also 16/1 to relinquish his Swans post to manage his native country.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
