The situation surrounding Mikkel Ladefoged and Västerås SK has taken an unfortunate turn.
Fotbollskanalen reports that the Danish striker is refusing to train because he wants VSK to sell him. Sporting director Billy Magnusson declined to comment on the claim or say when Ladefoged last trained.
Ladefoged was left out of the squad for Monday’s 1-0 victory over Djurgården. Head coach Alexander Rubin subsequently described him as “not selectable” and said he did not know whether the striker would be available for the upcoming match against Elfsborg.
The dispute comes shortly after reports of significant interest from England.
Aftonbladet reported on August 1 that Championship club Lincoln City were in final negotiations with Västerås over a transfer worth around SEK 50 million including bonuses. If completed at that level, the deal would reportedly become the biggest sale in VSK history.
Västerås have previously indicated that their intention was to keep Ladefoged for the full season. The striker remains under contract through 2028.
Bon Scout: “You can understand both sides”
Scout of This World podcast host and SkyrScout contributor Bon Scout believes the situation is regrettable, but says the competing interests of player and club should not be ignored.
“Refusing to train is obviously not ideal, and it puts the club in a very difficult position. But I can understand both sides.
Fans naturally want players to love their club as much as they do. The reality is that a footballer only gets one career. When an opportunity like this comes along, the player also has to think about his own future.
VSK have every right to protect their interests. Ladefoged has every reason to protect his. If a deal worth around SEK 50 million really is on the table and he wants the move, I can understand why he would be frustrated if the club decides not to sell.
That doesn’t make refusing to train the right solution. It just means the situation is more complicated than simply asking whether the player is loyal to the club.”
The 23-year-old has been one of the standout forwards in the Allsvenskan this season, with nine goals and three assists from 14 league appearances.
SkyrScout previously reported on Lincoln City’s interest on August 1, when negotiations between the clubs were said to be approaching their final stages.