Red Bull Salzburg gave Erling Haaland a major platform on his way so stardorm – and Patson Daka may be following in his footsteps.
Daka was already thriving with Salzburg even when Haaland was there, but he has kicked on since becoming their undoubted first-choice striker.
The Zambian proved his quality once again today, bagging a devastating hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Sturm Graz – but that’s only part of the story.
Daka’s hat-trick came in just eight minutes; he scored his first goal after just three minutes, and he’d completed his hat-trick by the 11th minute in a frantic opening.
He couldn’t add to his tally after that, but scoring an eight-minute hat-trick is quite ridiculous, and his tally for the season now stands at 30 goals in 32 games across all competitions, whilst also adding eight assists.
Daka, 22, looks set for stardom over the coming years, and the huge interest in his signature is no great surprise given how he is finding the net with such regularity.
A recent report from Salzburger Nachrichten suggested that Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all want to sign Daka, with a summer move now expected.
His hat-trick today will surely only increase interest, and any of those clubs would be lucky to have him ahead of next season.
Arsenal may need a new quality striker with Alexandre Lacazette’s contract expiring in the near future, and Daka could be their leading front man for years to come.
City are losing Sergio Aguero this summer, so expect to see a big cash signing for them this summer, whilst Liverpool may look to add another goal threat after a mixed season for their usual hitmen.
Salzburg are no doubt rubbing their hands at the prospect of a big pay day on Daka, and battle will commence very soon.
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