But the Birmingham winger chose Newcastle ahead of the Mackems, and could Alan Pardew regret letting him slip through the net.
Pardew tried to sign Larsson last January but the player snubbed the offer because he wanted to play at Wembley in the Carling Cup final against Arsenal.
He got his dream - a winners medal - but his efforts to move to Tyneside on a free transfer were dashed when Pardew refused to get into talks with the player.
It was a snub that suggested: "He had his chance", and perhaps Pardew has done right.
But Larsson is a proven Premiership player ... unlike the French squad we seem to have aquired ... and he knows how tough the Premiership can be.
The Black Cats confirmed last week that the duo would be playing on Wearside next season, but the moves would not officially go through until July 1.
Bruce signed Larsson for the Blues for £1million in January 2007 after a successful loan spell, and he went on to make 170 appearances.
Steve Bruce: "Seb was a fantastic young player for me at Birmingham and he has matured into a very good midfielder.
"He has been courted by a number of top clubs over the summer - both in England and across Europe - so we are naturally delighted that he has chosen to come to Sunderland."
Offer To NU-Mad Fans Continues
Due to the amazing response from NU-Mad readers ... we have decided to continue our offer for you to buy "Magpies In Europe" for the amazing price of £5.99.
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net