Erik Botheim, like a certain Manchester City superstar, made his name as one of the most exciting young forwards in Scandinavian football, scoring goals for fun in Norway’s Eliteserien before securing a move to a major European leagues.
Unfortunately for Salernitana, while Botheim followed in Erling Haaland’s all-conquering footsteps when sealing a move to Serie A in July, he has not come close to emulating his compatriot’s immediate impact in new surroundings.
Botheim, during his one and only season at Bodo/Glimt, scored 23 goals in just 46 games. A record of one in two. Now, Botheim was always likely to find goals harder to come by in a competitive and high-profile division. But a tally of one in 14 Serie A matches is lower than even the most pessimistic Salernitana supporter may have been expecting.
Leeds United, Southampton, Fulham and Rangers liked Erik Botheim
“I talked to (Haaland) about coming to Salerno. He told me it would be great for me,” Botheim told DAZN in August. “And he is very happy for my opportunity. I will do everything to make it go well.”
During five rather barren months at the Stadio Arechi, all the enthusiasm that greeted Botheim’s arrival has dissipated somewhat.
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United, Southampton, Fulham and Vincent Kompany’s Championship league leaders Burnley showed an interest in the once-£8 million-rated Botheim; his contract at Krasnodar torn up following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So did 2021 Scottish champions Rangers.
Given the extent of the interest – from well-heeled and Champions League clubs – an ambitious Salernitana sided appeared to have pulled off a real coup when they snapped up Botheim on a free transfer. There is still time for things to change, of course. But Botheim currently looks like the latest player struggling to live up to expectations following a departure from the Aspmyra Stadium.
Just 15 months ago, Botheim shot to fame with two goals and three assists as Bodo/Glimt became the first team ever to put six past a Jose Mourinho side; obliterating Roma during a famous night in the Arctic Circle.
Botheim has done it before against Italian clubs. One of the biggest and most historic ones at that. Hope, then, for Salernitana supporters that he can still make a success of his time in Serie A.
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