It took Erling Haaland just half an hour to score his third hat-trick of the Premier League season during Manchester City’s 6-3 thrashing of rivals United on Sunday afternoon.
Pedro Guilherme Abreu dos Santos, known simply as ‘Pedro’, could be forgiven for asking Haaland what it took him so long.
Midway through the second half during Flamengo’s Brazilian Serie A clash with Red Bull Bragantino on Saturday, Pedro put the hosts ahead with the sort of instinctive, first-time finish Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable scoring machine has made his trademark, darting towards the near post before flicking home.
He doubled his tally just four minutes later at the far post. Then, a third; lashed home straight from kick off. Three goals in five minutes. Even Haaland would be hard pressed to emulate that particular feat.
Leeds United want Pedro and Flamengo star can’t stop scoring
“It was very fast. I’m very happy for three more goals to help the team,” beams Pedro.
The 6ft 2ins powerhouse now has 19 goals in his last 17 games for club and country. Not to mention three hat-tricks this season alone.
“I hope I can continue to evolve,” Pedro adds. A scary thought indeed.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United have been monitoring Pedro ‘for a long time’. And, with Haaland already making space on his mantelpiece for the Golden Boot, Pedro’s potential arrival on English shores is the last thing those battered and bruised Premier League defenders need right now.
“I always felt that Pedro would be a player capable of seeking a spot in the Brazilian National Team,” Flamengo coach Dorival adds of his 25-year-old talisman, who scored his first Selecao goal last week and should have done more than enough to secure a World Cup place.
According to reports, Southampton, Wolves, West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Fulham are among those who have scouted Pedro over the last few months. Should he maintain that remarkable recent form in Qatar, Leeds and co may live to regret not making their move before the window closed on September 1st.
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