Lincoln City appear to have finally won the race for Mikkel Ladefoged, with Västerås SK confirming they have agreed the biggest sale in the Swedish club’s history.
The long-running saga has taken another significant step, with reports in Sweden stating that the 23-year-old striker is being sold. Västerås themselves have only described the buying side as a “foreign club”, although Aftonbladet had previously identified City as his destination.
There is an unusual element to the agreement, with the transfer not due to take effect until August 30. Västerås have also confirmed that Ladefoged will not feature for them again before the move is completed, bringing an end to a difficult few days surrounding his future.
The Danish striker had reportedly refused to train as he attempted to secure a move abroad, putting Västerås in an awkward position. They had every right to protect their own interests and refuse to sell until their valuation was met, particularly after developing a player who still had significant time remaining on his contract.
That appears to be exactly what has happened. Reports suggest the package could eventually be worth 55 million Swedish kronor including bonuses, while Västerås are also believed to have secured a sell-on clause of between 10 and 20 per cent.
Sporting director Billy Magnusson made it clear just how significant the agreement is for the Swedish club.
“There has been a lot of speculation surrounding this deal. I want to emphasize that VSK Fotboll is very pleased with the agreement, from a financial perspective. This is, without comparison, the largest deal in VSK Fotboll’s history.”
It is an important point given everything that has surrounded the transfer. Ladefoged’s reported refusal to train could easily have left Västerås feeling they were being backed into a corner, but instead they have secured a deal they regard as historically good business.
Magnusson also stressed that the negotiations with the buying club had remained constructive throughout, while confirming that Ladefoged’s former side Sønderjyske will receive part of the fee.
“The dialogue with the foreign club has been long and drawn out, but always respectful and constructive. According to the agreement with Sønderjyske, they are also entitled to part of the transfer fee through a resale clause.”
Ladefoged joined Västerås from Sønderjyske around 18 months ago. He scored ten goals during their promotion-winning campaign last season and has followed that with nine in the Allsvenskan this year, establishing himself as one of the division’s more interesting attacking prospects.
At 6ft 8in, he would bring something very different to Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw’s attacking options. Mason Melia and Tanto Olaofe have already arrived on loan, while Freddie Draper and Ben House remain part of the squad, but Ladefoged would represent a major financial commitment and a player City would presumably hope could develop significantly further.
The August 30 date is perhaps the most intriguing part of the agreement. Ladefoged will not play again for Västerås, but the transfer itself will not officially take effect until then, meaning there is still a short wait before he can become available to the buying club.