The winter transfer window is approaching and rumors are discreetly starting to emerge. For example, KRC Genk and Antwerp are linked with a high-profile transfer.
Karlsson attracts a lot of interest
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that Jesper Karlsson could leave Bologna in January. The 26-year-old Swede can leave on a rental basis and Antwerp, Genk, FC Utrecht and his former club AZ are said to be on board.
Antwerp’s interest is not a surprise, as Marc Overmars likes to bring players with a Dutch background to Bosuil. This has sometimes been a good thing, sometimes a failure.
Bologna still paid 11 million euros to snatch him from AZ in August 2023. He did not convince in Italy and was even sidelined there. The technically gifted wing forward has appeared in five matches this season and has only played 187 minutes. He scored once.
Market value of 8M euros
Karlsson still has a market value of €8 million and is under contract until mid-2028. Buying him therefore does not seem to be an option, even for KRC Genk.
However, he could constitute a sporting asset for both clubs. Karlsson has also been international 14 times with Sweden, but his last selection dates back to October 12, 2023. Will the winger be able to relaunch his career in Belgium? That remains to be seen.
