The World Cup Snub That Could Cost Hugo Larsson Millions
A difficult season at Frankfurt and a shock omission from Sweden's World Cup squad, and now reports suggest Larsson's market value has taken a serious hit.
SFN Editor ·
Larsson has had a difficult 2025-26 season at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Bundesliga club finished eighth in the league, and Larsson who made 34 competitive appearances did not produce the performances that had made him one of the most coveted young midfielders in Europe in previous seasons. His market value, which had been estimated as high as €38 million, has reportedly been cut close to half.
The World Cup exclusion has amplified the concern. Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krösche made his feelings clear in no uncertain terms when Potter's squad was announced.
"This decision is simply inexplicable from a sporting perspective. For us it is clear: Hugo deserved to be called up. This decision is not only incomprehensible, but in our view simply wrong," – Markus Krösche, speaking to SVT Sport.
Krösche's frustration goes beyond sporting pride. Frankfurt have long-term plans to sell Larsson for a significant profit, he arrived from Malmö FF for €9 million in 2023, making him the club's most expensive sale at the time. His contract runs until summer 2029, giving Frankfurt leverage, but only if the buyer interest is there.
Larsson had been linked with clubs in the Premier League and La Liga. Whether those clubs remain as interested after a difficult season and a World Cup absence is the question Frankfurt now face.
Potter, for his part, has not publicly addressed the Larsson exclusion in detail beyond general squad selection principles. The Swedish Football Association has stayed quiet.