£49.5k star has the "potential" to join Wolves this window

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the hunt to sign a proven international defender this summer; however, transfer insider Dean Jones is 'sceptical' about how the Old Gold will go about pulling his signature off.

What's the latest news at Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Truth be told, Wolves have endured an extremely frustrating transfer window and their squad is in need of some replenishment following the departures of many key assets this summer, including Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Nathan Collins and Conor Coady, as per Transfermarkt.

Financial Fair Play restrictions have hampered their ability to attract players to Molinuex over the course of the window, with only Matt Doherty and Tom King entering the fold in the West Midlands, both on free transfers.

Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui left the club under a cloud in the week leading up to the opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign and was subsequently replaced by former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil, as per The Guardian.

Despite spirits being low around the Old Gold, Wolves turned in an encouraging performance in their first competitive match of the campaign away to Manchester United at Old Trafford, losing 1-0 courtesy of a Raphael Varane header in an encounter they should've taken at least a share of the spoils from, as per BBC Sport.

Controversially, Wolves were denied a penalty in the dying embers of proceedings as Amadou Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in the box, something which O'Neil has since received an apology for, which he revealed in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, stating: "We have just spoken to Jon Moss and fair play to him for coming straight out and apologising and saying it was a blatant penalty and should have been given."

What has Dean Jones said about Nico Elvedi?

Last month, Football Insider claimed that Wolves were close to completing a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, who earns around £49k per week, in a deal worth around £7 million.

Nevertheless, things seem to have gone a little quiet with regard to the £49k-a-week earner's proposed arrival at Molineux, though transfer insider Jones thinks that there is still 'potential' for a deal to be done if Wolves can somehow evade their financial restrictions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: "I still think there is potential around this deal. But it's difficult to know how likely it is to come off, purely because of this financial standpoint we're at with Wolves.

"If it is a one in, one out policy, then they've got to weigh up whether it's worth making the change or it's going to be detrimental to have another new face in and another old face going out.

"You're losing a lot of the identity of this team from recent times. That's not a completely bad thing because, for a lot of last season, things weren't going well. There's a lot to be said for changing the narrative around the club once you've come through a storm and managed to weather it a little bit.

"While Elvedi would be a good signing, I'm just a bit sceptical about how on earth they actually make it happen."

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves take on Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend at Molinuex and will be hoping to claim their first three points of the campaign despite a backdrop of uncertainty at the club, as per Sky Sports.

In terms of recruitment, West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has emerged as a target to strengthen offensive depth at the Old Gold and it is believed that his current employers would be willing to let him go if they can secure a suitable replacement at the London Stadium, according to TEAMtalk.

michail-antonio-west-ham-premier-league-transfer

Daniel Podence could recoup some funds for Wolves to spend in the transfer market and is wanted by Scottish champions Celtic in a deal that may net the Old Gold £12 million, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Athletic report that Wolves remain interested in experienced West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell; however, their efforts to land the former England international have proved unsuccessful as of yet.

Tottenham: Postecoglou Could Sign His Own Odegaard In £50m "Diamond"

Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their attacking ranks significantly this summer, but could be set to make one final acquisition to cement Ange Postecoglou’s already impressive start to life in north London…

Who else will Tottenham Hotspur sign?

With James Maddison having endeared himself to his new fanbase with ease, and Manor Solomon a fine backup option having occupied the bench, it could be easy to assume that their attacking business for this window was coming to an end.

However, the rumour mill has continued to turn, with reports circulating suggesting various offensive stars who could still make the move to N17, especially given the departure of Harry Kane, and the goalscoring vacancy he has left.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

So, perhaps in an effort to create some additional chances to offset this absence, they could make their interest in Jeremy Doku tangible and fork up the £50m that Rennes are commanding.

How good is Jeremy Doku?

As a tricky wide man who has often deputised through the middle, it is clear that this Belgian magician has the skillset to both terrorise full-backs and bamboozle defensive midfielders wherever he is deployed.

In fact, such is his immense ability to forge chances for others, FBref even include Martin Odegaard on his list of ‘similar players’ despite their favoured positions being quite different.

This is likely due to the high volume of opportunities their excellence forges for teammates in the final third, with Doku using his speed and tricks whilst the Norway international prefers his technical prowess.

The latter allowed the Arsenal maestro to score 15 and assist eight in the Premier League last season, with his 7.35 average rating the highest of any Gunners player.

Such a figure was largely buoyed by his 2.1 key passes per game, which admittedly blows Doku’s figures out of the water.

He only managed one key pass per game last term in Ligue 1, yet his eight goal contributions allowed him to boast a 7.15 average rating in the French top flight, via Sofascore.

Then, as if to emphasise his starring qualities, when compared to other midfielders across Europe he sits in the top 1% for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and successful take-ons all per 90, via FBref.

His compatriot Kevin De Bruyne sought to laud his international teammate, noting:

“He is nimble, fast and he can dribble. Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn't? He is a diamond in the rough.”

Although Odegaard does not quite boast that same dynamism and ability to dance through numerous defenders, his sheer quality in possession is something which Doku will aspire to add to his game, although the foundation already seems very much in place.

Postecoglou would love to have another creator akin to Maddison within his side, in an effort to remove some of the focus away from the England international.

The former Leicester City maestro has enjoyed a fine start to the new campaign, recording two assists in their first two Premier League games; his presence seems to be underpinning the Australian’s revolution with a patented tireless work rate and elegance in possession.

Combining this with the explosive Doku, who mirrors the key man of their north London rivals, could help them bridge the gap that has opened up between them in recent years.

'I just thought I had nothing to lose'

Andrew McGlashan talks to Mal Loye about his experiences in Australia, being dumped for the World Cup and how he is now focussed purely on Lancashire

Andrew McGlashan11-May-2007

Sweeping statement: Mal Loye refused to change the way he played when his England call came © Getty Images
While England’s top-order floundered in the Caribbean there was one player who would have at least tried to clear the boundaries. But he was splitting his time between a pre-season tour of South Africa and the early throws of a domestic season. With every delivery patted down the pitch or left outside off stump the situation was crying out for Mal Loye’s aggression and innovation.Loye wouldn’t have solved all England’s woes and meant they were the ones lapping up the adulation of an adoring public instead of the Australians. Far from it, the one-day problems run much deeper than the top three but they are symptomatic of the larger malaise. However, Loye would have gone down blazing rather than blocking and England’s total wouldn’t have crept to nine runs in the seventh over of the virtual quarter-final against South Africa.He could certainly be forgiven for feeling a little bitter about the way he was discarded by England following seven matches in the CB Series. “After missing out on the World Cup I had a bit of a sulk,” he admits, “but after that all I have focused on is Lancashire, it’s all I can do. It’s what has made me successful.”Loye’s career record reads more than 13,000 runs in first-class cricket and more than 8000 in limited overs matches. He was on the verge of a Test cap in 1998 when called up to face Sri Lanka after Mike Atherton was injured. But at the last minute the selectors had a change of heart and went for Steve James. “They wanted an opener for an opener and I was told thanks but no thanks.”Loye has had to deal with his fair share of poor communication over the years so, recently, took it as a positive that he received a phone call to tell him he wasn’t in the 25-man development squad. “The selectors let me know that but that’s the only contact I’ve had in my whole career so I’ll take a positive from that. Now it’s about kicking on and getting some scores under my belt.” It’s been a mixed start to the 2007 season for him, a century at Edgbaston and a run of innings in the thirties and forties. “It’s frustrating, I keep giving it away.” The selectors let me know that but that’s the only contact I’ve had in my whole career so I’ll take a positive from that Even if Loye’s international career is done and dusted his brief stint at the top level is still packed with incident, some before he’d actually arrived in Australia. When Kevin Pietersen was hit in the ribs at the MCG, Loye was in New Zealand during a club stint with Auckland. “I was getting text messages and phone calls from people back home who were watching the TV and they were basically telling me I was in. Then Ravi [Bopara] got called up, but I knew I was close so there was still hope.”However, injuries were never far away and it wasn’t long until Michael Vaughan pulled a hamstring at Hobart. “I’d actually just played my first game for Auckland after coming back from an injury,” Loye explains. “Then I came off and noticed that Vaughan needed a runner and I was pretty sure after the feedback earlier that week that I had a good chance.”Two days later he walked out at The Gabba with Andrew Strauss against Australia. Nerves? “I just remember thinking I had nothing to lose. I wanted to make the most of the day because it might have been my one and only chance. If I’d been 24 I would probably have gone in very differently and put extra pressure on myself but as I was 34 I just thought I had nothing to lose.” And just to show he wasn’t going to hold back, the trademark sweep came out, against Brett Lee of all people. “I had a look at it and realised what a good pitch it was. Even though it was a low-scoring game it was a belter, and after watching the Ashes and a disappointing start to the one-dayers I just thought taking them on was the best way to go. Glenn McGrath said a few things but I was just enjoying it so much that I didn’t hear a lot.”

Taking it on the chin: Loye took some battle scars away with him from Australia © Getty Images
The results were mixed – but mainly on the low side – as Loye found out that McGrath, Lee and Co. don’t take kindly to such treatment. But, given his chance again, Loye would do the same despite taking a crack on the chin in the second final at Sydney. “I wanted to do it again next ball,” he said before explaining his variation of getting back on horse. “It’s a bit like when I had a car crash as a kid and later that same day I wanted to drive because the longer you leave it the more you are going to doubt yourself. It’s a shot like a pull or a hook which you can get hit playing and you don’t stop using those.”So, having watched from the sidelines, what did one of the country’s most aggressive one-day batsmen make of England’s efforts in the Caribbean? “As openers now you have to have an all-round game, you can’t just go in and play one way.” But he still offers his support to Vaughan, the man who took his place for the World Cup. “It depends on conditions. Everyone is going on about Vaughan but I think he has the game to smack it around and also the technical ability when it is doing a bit.”Loye certainly hasn’t given up hope of having another taste of the big time and the Twenty20 World Championship in September is giving him a target to focus on. “Ultimately it’s always at the back of your mind and to play in a tournament like that would be amazing but it depends the route the new management wants to take. I don’t know how they are thinking so all I can do is score runs for Lancashire.”For someone who waited so long for an opening it would be easy to feel contented with a handful of one-day caps and playing a helping hand in a rare one-day success. However, for Loye there is certainly not a feeling of fulfillment. “I’m not satisfied at all. To play at the highest level is to play Test cricket and if that never happens I’ll look back and it will be a huge regret. But you can only do so much and the rest is in other people’s hands.”

'Breath of fresh air' – Harry Kane hailed as a 'blessing' for Bayern after scoring 24 goals for a Bayern team 'not playing well'

Former Bayern Munich player Dietmar Hamann praised Harry Kane after he scored his 24th league goal over the weekend.

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Hamann hails Kane Has scored 24 goals in Bundesliga this season Bayern take on Leverkusen next in BundesligaWHAT HAPPENED?

Hamann, who played for Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester City, hailed Harry Kane for his contribution to his team who are not playing well as a unit this season. The England international recently equalled Luca Toni's 17-year-old club record of scoring 24 Bundesliga goals in his maiden season and is now on his way to breaking Robert Lewandowski's 41 league goals record in a single campaign.

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Speaking to , the former Germany international said, "They’re not playing well but it just goes to show how good he is. He probably touches the ball 20, or 25 times and he probably scores with every third or fourth touch. He’s settled and he’s a breath of fresh air. To have the England captain in Germany is a huge thing and he’s so humble and so likable. I think for the club and the league it’s been a blessing to have him."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 30-year-old left Tottenham Hotspur to join the reigning Bundesliga champions in pursuit of trophies, although his maiden season in Germany started on a rocky note as Bayern lost in the DFL Super Cup final to RB Leipzig and were then ousted from the DFB Pokal in the second round. They are currently two points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and have reached the round of 16 of the Champions League.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

Thomas Tuchel's side will now prepare to face Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen in a crucial league fixture on Saturday.

Liverpool get huge Mohamed Salah boost as Jurgen Klopp delivers positive fitness update ahead of Brentford clash

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford, as Mohamed Salah is ready for a return to action.

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Superstar forward injured on AFCON dutyReturned to England for treatmentKlopp ready to hand him Premier League recallWHAT HAPPENED?

The Egyptian superstar picked up an untimely knock while away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. He returned to England for treatment after being laid low, with a muscular problem confirmed to be more serious than first feared.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT KLOPP SAID ABOUT SALAH

Salah’s last appearance for Liverpool came on New Year’s Day, when he bagged a brace in a 4-2 victory over Newcastle, but he has returned to the training ground this week and could see more game time in a trip to Brentford. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has said: “Mo is back in full training. That brings him automatically into contention.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Salah is not the only senior star back at Klopp’s disposal, with the German going on to say when delivering a full update on his squad ahead of a meeting with the Bees: “Ibou [Ibrahima Konate] is not suspended any more, Joey [Gomez] is fit again, Conor [Bradley] is back, Ali [Alisson] is back, so that's all positive.”

On those that are ruled out, with Trent Alexander-Arnold back on the sidelines, Klopp added: “Thiago [Alcantara], no. And Trent, no. I wasn't really aware of it but I caught some of the news there was a discussion we might have forced Trent back, he has had setbacks and nobody wants that. As long as I've been here we've never forced anyone back. But we work in a high performance area. We always try to catch them at the earliest moment, unfortunately when we catch that early nobody speaks about that. The last decision is always by the player. When the boys played they were fit, but the situation told us differently as it happened again. Very, very unlucky and unfortunate.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool head into the latest round of fixtures sat at the top of the Premier League table. They are only two points clear of defending champions Manchester City, who boast a game in hand, so will be delighted to have three-time Golden Boot winner Salah back as they look to build momentum.

‘Don’t jump the gun!’ – Lionel Messi ‘playing free’ again but Tata Martino reluctant to discuss MLS play-offs at Inter Miami after one game

Inter Miami are looking to make history again in 2024, with Lionel Messi “playing free”, but they are reluctant to be dragged into a play-off debate.

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Herons won first trophy in 2023Chasing down four honours this seasonOff to a winning start against RSLWHAT HAPPENED?

Many are tipping the Herons to put themselves in contention for MLS Cup glory, having secured a historic Leagues Cup triumph last season. With eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi on their books, and the new campaign opened with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, the Florida-based outfit appear ready to move through the gears.

Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream nowAdvertisementGettyWHAT MARTINO SAID ABOUT MESSI

They have never won a play-off game, following two previous visits to that stage, but head coach Tata Martino is reluctant to start making wild predictions about rewriting the history books with there so much competitive action to come. He said when asked about Inter Miami’s post-season record: “You don't have to jump the gun. It was just one game.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While wary of getting caught up in future talk, Martino is pleased with what he is seeing in the present. He added on watching Messi rediscover a spark following an injury-hit pre-season: “If anybody had been sceptical about what this team can do, I think the first half showed them. I saw [Messi] playing free on the field. And with the same fine touch he always had. And he showed some speed too. He has a characteristic that no other player has. He grabs the ball very far from the rival goal and the feeling he gives is that he will generate something and will end in a goal situation. The play he had alone against two players at the end of the game is a sign that he is good physically and also happy to be on the pitch.”

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Getty/GOALDID YOU KNOW?

Martino went on to say of Messi’s partnership with former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, which is being rekindled in the United States: “I had been saying since we got back from Japan two weeks ago that we needed to have more training sessions together for them to rediscover their rhythm. In their case, they know each other well, but it takes time for them to find that connection again that they had in Barcelona.”

Harry Kane to reunite with another old team-mate?! Bayern Munich make Steven Bergwijn transfer approach after huge Kingsley Coman injury blow

Bayern Munich have reportedly made an approach for Harry Kane's old Tottenham team-mate Steven Bergwijn, after losing Kingsley Coman to injury.

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Coman to miss significant time with MCL tearBayern eye Bergwijn as replacementWinger spent three seasons with Kane at SpursGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Coman was carried off during Bayern's win at Augsburg on Saturday after sustaining an injury, which has since been confirmed by the club as a torn MCL. With Serge Gnabry also sidelined, the Bavarian giants are urgently seeking replacements, with reporting that the club is attempting to expedite the transfer of Granada winger Bryan Zaragoza, who recently inked a deal to move to Munich next summer.

Another enquiry has been made with Ajax for the availability of Bergwijn, a player well known to leading scorer Kane from their two-and-a-half years together at Tottenham. Kane has already been reunited with one old Spurs team-mate in the form of Eric Dier, who has joined Bayern on loan until the end of the season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Coman's injury has dealt Bayern a tricky hand with just days remaining to source a replacement. Reports suggest that Ajax are far from willing to lose their captain as they attempt to salvage a disastrous season and will not make it easy for Bayern to prise Bergwijn away.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kane and Bergwijn played 62 times together after the Dutchman joined Spurs in the January 2020 transfer window from PSV Eindhoven in a deal worth £26.7 million ($34m). The winger returned to his native Amsterdam in the summer of 2022.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

Whether reinforcements arrive or not it promises to be a huge couple of weeks for the Bundesliga's perennial champions as they look to recover from the unfamiliar position of having to chase down unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, who they meet in ten days time in a much-anticipated clash. Fans will once again hope that Kane can make the difference in that must-win game, with the England international boasting 23 goals from his first 23 appearances in the German top-flight.

Player Profile: Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal machine, has rapidly risen to prominence in the early stages of his career, captivating fans worldwide with his remarkable talent and goal-scoring prowess.

Born on July 21, 2000, Haaland made his professional debut with Norwegian side Bryne FK in 2016. He began to show just how prolific he was in front of goal during two seasons with Modle in Norway. However, it was his move to Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019 that truly marked the start of his meteoric rise.

During his time at Salzburg, Haaland shattered records and etched his name in football history. In the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League campaign, he became the first player to score in his first five consecutive appearances. His exceptional form earned him a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, where he continued his goalscoring exploits.

Haaland's combination of speed, strength and clinical finishing has resulted in astonishing statistics. His tally of goals in his late teens and early twenties is unparalleled, even drawing comparisons to some of the game's greatest legends. The striker's ability to find the net consistently has propelled him to multiple awards, including the 2020 Golden Boy Award.

Erling Haaland at Molde

Haaland's football journey took a significant step forward during his time at Molde FK in Norway. Joining the club's youth ranks in 2017, he quickly made his mark on the senior team. In his debut season in 2017, he showcased his potential with four goals in his first three appearances.

However, it was in the 2018/2019 season that Haaland truly made waves, finishing as the top scorer in the Norwegian top-flight league, Eliteserien, with 12 goals in 25 appearances. His exceptional performances earned him a move to Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019.

Haaland's time at Molde was instrumental in his development as a goalscoring phenomenon, and his achievements there laid the foundation for his subsequent successes.

Erling Haaland at RB Salzburg

Haaland's tenure at RB Salzburg from January 2019 to January 2020 saw him get better and better. The young Norwegian striker made an immediate impact, showcasing his extraordinary talent on the European stage.

In the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League campaign, Haaland's remarkable feat of scoring eight goals in his first six group stage matches garnered attention worldwide. His blistering pace, physicality and clinical finishing left opponents stunned. This accomplishment, coupled with his earlier achievements, earned him the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2020.

Beyond the Champions League, Haaland's domestic performances were equally impressive. During his time at Salzburg, he scored a total of 29 goals in just 27 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga. This incredible scoring rate emphasized his prolific nature and established him as one of the hottest young prospects in world football.

One of the most memorable moments of his time at Salzburg came when he scored a hat-trick against Genk in the Champions League, becoming the third-youngest player to achieve this feat in the history of the competition. His time with the Austrian club served as a springboard for his subsequent move to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Haaland's Honours at RB Salzburg

Austrian Bundesliga (1)

2018/2019

Austrian Cup (1)

2018/2019

Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund

Erling Haaland's arrival at Borussia Dortmund in January 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his burgeoning football career, and the Norwegian sensation continued to build on his already impressive reputation.

Haaland's debut for Borussia Dortmund was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored a hat-trick against FC Augsburg just 23 minutes after coming on as a substitute. This stunning introduction set the tone for his time at the club, as he consistently found the back of the net with astonishing regularity.

In the second half of the 2019-2020 season, Haaland scored an impressive 16 goals in just 18 Bundesliga appearances. His combination of physical strength, lightning-fast pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. He continued to shine in the UEFA Champions League as well, finishing the season with a total of 10 goals in the competition.

The 2020-2021 season saw Haaland's star continue to rise. He maintained his exceptional goal-scoring form, netting 27 goals in 28 Bundesliga matches and 10 goals in the Champions League. His performance against Sevilla in the Round of 16, where he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw, showcased his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. He ended that season with 41 goals in as many first-team appearances. The following season, he continued his outstanding rate of scoring with 29 goals in just 30 appearances in all competitions.

Haaland's achievements at Borussia Dortmund are highlighted not only by his goal-scoring prowess but also by the numerous records he set during his time in Germany. He became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to reach 25 goals and the quickest to score 20 goals in the competition. His consistency and impact on the team's success earned him the nickname "The Terminator" among fans.

Apart from his individual accomplishments, Haaland's presence and contributions helped Borussia Dortmund secure top-four finishes in the Bundesliga and make notable progress in European competitions. Despite his individual successes, though, he was only able to help Dortmund to one DFB-Pokal trophy during his time at the club.

As one of the most sought-after talents in world football, Haaland's time at Borussia Dortmund was a pivotal phase in his career, so it was no surprise when it was announced he would be joining legendary manager Pep Guardiola at Premier League giants Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He ended his Dortmund career with an astonishing 86 goals in 89 first-team appearances.

Haalands Honours at Borussia Dortmund

DFB-Pokal (1)

2020/2021

Erling Haaland at Manchester City

Haaland joined Man City in July 2022 after the Premier League champions activated his £51.2m release clause.

On his Premier League debut in August, the Norway international scored both goals in a 2-0 win over West Ham and by the end of the month, he already had two hat-tricks to his name after bagging trebles against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. By then, it was clear the Premier League had a goalscoring phenomenon on their hands.

Haaland then scored a brace on his Champions League debut for Manchester City, before becoming the first Premier League player in history to score a hat-trick in three successive home games. In doing so, he also set the record for the fastest player to three Premier League hat-tricks, which he achieved in just eight games. The previous record was held by Michael Owen, who reached that milestone in 48 games. By the end of 2022, Haaland already had 20 goals in just 14 Premier League games.

In March 2023, the explosive striker scored five goals in a Champions League clash against RB Leipzig, becoming only the third player to do so after Lionel Messi and Adriano. It was a haul that also took him to 39 goals in all competitions, which broke Man City's club record for most goals scored in a single season, which had been held by Tommy Johnson since 1928/1929.

By the end of his first season in England, Haaland had more records under his belt. His 36 Premier League goals set a record for the most goals scored in a single season, while he also broke the record for most goal contributions (goals & assists) in a single season, previously held by Thierry Henry. On top of all that, the striker won the European Golden Shoe and the Premier League golden boot.

It would prove to be the dream first season for Haaland in England as, on top of all of his personal records, milestones and a record of 52 goals in 53 games, Man City went on to win a historic treble – the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

At the beginning of his second season at Man City, Haaland netted a brace against Burnley on the opening day of the new Premier League season before Manchester City beat Sevilla on penalties to win their first UEFA Super Cup title, taking Haaland's trophy count to four since his signed for the club 13 months earlier.

To-date, his career record at the age of just 23 is an astonishing 209 goals in 256 first-team club appearances.

Haaland's Honours at Man City

Premier League (1)

2022/2023

FA Cup (1)

2022/2023

UEFA Champions League (1)

2022/2023

UEFA Super Cup (1)

2023

Erling Haaland with Norway

Erling Haaland's international career with the Norwegian national team has been characterized by his prolific scoring and potential to become a footballing icon for his country.

Making his debut on September 5, 2019, he swiftly asserted his impact by becoming Norway's youngest-ever scorer in a European Championship qualifier against Sweden.

Haaland's scoring prowess continued to shine as he netted crucial goals during the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers. His remarkable record includes becoming the first teenager to score in five consecutive UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Since his 2019 debut, Haaland has netted 24 goals in just 25 appearances for Norway.

Erling Haaland's Personal Accolades & Records

Erling Haaland's remarkable football journey is punctuated by a slew of personal records and prestigious awards that underscore his extraordinary goalscoring talent.

His rapid ascent began with becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut in January 2020, a feat achieved within just 23 minutes for Borussia Dortmund.

In the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League, Haaland set a new record by becoming the fastest player to reach 10 goals in the competition, a milestone accomplished in just seven appearances. This astonishing form led to his inclusion in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.

The coveted Golden Boy Award, bestowed upon him in 2020, marked his status as the best young footballer in Europe. His prolific goal-scoring continued, with records like being the youngest player to score 20 goals in Bundesliga history.

Haaland's legacy also extends to his national team, where he became the youngest player to score for Norway in a European Championship qualifier. These records and accolades are a testament to his immense talent and his potential to shape the footballing landscape for years to come.

Haaland's Personal Honours

European Golden Shoe (1)

2022/2023

Austrian Footballer of the Year (1)

2019

Bundesliga Player of the Season (1)

2020/2021

Bundesliga Team of the Season (2)

2020/2021, 2021/2022

FWA Football of the Year (1)

2022/2023

Premier League Player of the Season (1)

2022/2023

Premier League Young Player of the Season (1)

2022/2023

Premier League Golden Boot (1)

2022/2023

Golden Boy

2020

Norwegian Sportsperson of the Year (1)

2020

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2)

2020/2021, 2022/2023

UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (2)

2020/2021, 2022/2023

UEFA Nations League Top Scorer (2)

2020/2021, 2022/2023

FIFA FIFPRO World XI (2)

2021, 2022

Manchester City Player of the Season (1)

2022/2023

Christian Pulisic sends awesome 'bro' message to Gio Reyna after Nottingham Forest loan confirmed as four other USMNT stars – and Jude Bellingham – react to risky transfer move

There was plenty of love for Gio Reyna as he embarked on a surprise new chapter in his career with a loan move to Nottingham Forest.

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Reyna joins Forest in loan switchUSMT star seeks minutes after Dortmund strugglesPulisic and Bellingham among well wishersGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

There was plenty of love for Gio Reyna as he embarked on a surprise new chapter in his career with a loan move to Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old sealed a loan deal to Nuno Espirito Santo's side until the end of the season having been restricted to just 280 minutes of Bundesliga action this season after falling out of favour at Borussia Dortmund.

Sitting just two points above the relegation zone and with a potential points deduction hanging over them, Forest will be hoping that Reyna will provide a spark to fire them to safety.

AdvertisementWHAT GIO REYNA SAID

Posting a picture of himself arriving at a deserted City Ground, Reyna posted: "So excited to be here! Can’t wait to get started! Let’s gooo."

Quick to reply were Pulisic with a motivational "Let's get it bro."

Former Dortmund team-mate Bellingham chimed in with a simple: "Brother," alongside a heart emoji.

Timothy Weah, Matt Miazga and Folarin Balogun all wished their USMNT team-mate good luck with the move.

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In what's turned out to be a quiet winter transfer window, Reyna's switch is one of the more intriguing moves. Whether the American can find the continuity he craves at a club where ambitious recruitment has seen vast numbers of players arrive and leave in the past number of windows remains to be seen. If Reyna can dovetail effectively with the talented Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga then Forest may have pulled off something of a coup. If not, they are under no obligation to sign the player on a permanent basis.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Reyna can seek advice on life in the Premier League from a familiar source. His father Claudio enjoyed six seasons in the English top flight after joining Sunderland in 2001. After two years on Wearside he moved on to Manchester City before returning to his native New Jersey.

Liverpool transfer news: FSG given boost in race for £49k-p/w "machine"

Liverpool have been handed a boost in the race to sign a new striker, but a fresh report has revealed that they aren't the only club who are looking to bring him to the Premier League.

How have Liverpool started the season?

Jurgen Klopp’s side have made an excellent start to the new campaign having won five and drawn one of their opening six games, meaning that they find themselves second in the top-flight table having taken 16 points from a possible 18, as per the division’s official website.

The Merseyside outfit have no doubt been boosted by the four new summer arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, but the team’s improved performance levels hasn’t stopped club chiefs from assessing their options ahead of the upcoming transfer window in 2024.

Back in January of this year, Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko was the subject of an enquiry from FSG, who asked to be kept informed on his situation alongside Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Whilst a deal for Germany’s youth international failed to materialise at the time, the Reds now appear to have been given the perfect opportunity to take a second bite of the cherry and secure the services of his 18-year-old target.

Are Liverpool signing Youssoufa Moukoko?

According to German outlet BILD (via TEAMtalk), Liverpool and Chelsea "have been encouraged" by learning the news that Borussia Dortmund are "open to selling" Moukoko in January.

The Bundesliga outfit are willing to sanction the sale of their prized asset at the start of the new year should an offer be put on the table that they are satisfied with, but it's worth noting that he's also attracting interest from La Liga side Real Madrid.

The Reds and the Blues once again being name-checked though suggests that their admiration could be ever so slightly stronger, so this may be one to watch as we approach 2024.

Borussia Dortmund strikerYoussoufa Moukoko.

How many goals has Youssoufa Moukoko scored?

Since the start of his career, Moukoko has racked up a remarkable 190 contributions (155 goals and 35 assists) in just 167 appearances across all age levels which has seen him dubbed a goal scoring “machine” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so it would be a massive coup if he was ever to join Liverpool in the future.

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed centre-forward also has the ability to operate in three different positions, including as a second striker and out wide on the right-wing alongside his usual role when leading the line through the middle, so his versatility is another quality that would make him a useful player for the boss to have at his disposal.

In addition, Moukoko, who pockets £49k-per-week, shares the same agent, Wasserman, as both Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give the board a small advantage over their competitors should they decide to pursue a deal for the extremely prolific attacker in January.

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