Rivals interested in son of former City player
By James Fudge
The son of former Manchester City player has attracted the interested of Premier League rivals in recent weeks.
Playing in his native Norway, Manchester United is reportedly keeping tabs on the 17-year-old, Erling Haaland, the son of defender/midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland.
Regarded as one of the brightest talents in Scandinavia, United scouts were reportedly sent to Brann Stadium as Molde FK face league leaders league leaders SK Brann away.
The 17-year-old is being managed by Old Trafford and Norwegian legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær and was sent on to change the game at the weekend.
He duly did, turning the game on his head, scoring four goals and demonstrating his qualities in the process.
Showing his speed and composure in front of goal, the youngster also demonstrated his potential. The video shows the player has gained a degree of football intelligence to beat the offside trap and the defenders to be in on-goal.
Only one game has been highlighted, with his form in the youth leagues not considered as a thorough enough assessment for a scouting mission due to the standard.
He has stated he doesn’t fancy a move to the red half of Manchester considering that is where his dad’s career was ended prematurely.
The crunching tackle from Roy Keane at Old Trafford in 2001 was serious enough for Haaland senior to never complete a full game at a high level ever again.
Being a Leeds United fan may also prove pivotal in turning down their advances.
Could that open the door for Premier League rivals or even Manchester City?
There have been no links to City yet, however that may change if his father gets involved and directs his career path.
An important decision will have to be made if he wants progress away from Norway. It is often been a debate amongst football experts whether a move to a high profile is a good move for a youngster’s career. You can learn with better coaches for guidance or the opportunity to play regular football will nurture Haaland into a Scandinavian great.
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For prime example, Martin Ødegaard at Real Madrid has failed to live up to his potential. He promised a great deal whilst in Strømsgodset, with the majority of clubs in Europe competing for his signature after breaking into the first team.
Many people view he took a step back when joining the Spanish giants after he was demoted to their B team and then sent on loan to SC Heerenveen. The potential has never shone as bright as it once was.
Time will tell whether Haaland will be moving to the Premier League in the near future, should that be on the red or blue side of Manchester or somewhere else in England.