Erling Haaland has hailed the rapid rise of fellow Norwegian Jens Petter Hauge after AC Milan beat Leeds United to the signature of the jet-heeled winger, while speaking to Goal.com.
We all know the story by now.
Back in 2003, a willowy, blonde-tipped winger by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo ran Manchester United ragged in a pre-season clash with Sporting Lisbon.
A few days later, the Premier League champions paid nearly £13 million for a teenager who left Gary Neville and co open-mouthed and chasing shadows.
17 years on, AC Milan did something strikingly similar.
A week after Jens Petter Hauge gave Stefano Pioli’s side an almighty scare during a Europa League qualifier against Bodo/Glint, the speedy Scadinavian was on his way back to the San Siro – permanently.
Leeds had shown an interest in the skilful 21-year-old but Milan pipped the Premier League newcomers to the post with a £3.5 million deal that now looks like one of the best pound-for-pound signings anywhere in Europe (Calciomercato).
“Hauge is my friend. Keep an eye on him,” Dortmund star Haaland explained of the once-capped Norway international.
“They have taken in a real talent and he’s playing at a beautiful club in Milan. They’re in an excellent league and they can do great things.”
Hauge has already scored four times in 11 matches for the Serie A leaders with a pair of stunning individual goals in the Europa League, against Celtic and Sparta Prague, drawing comparisons with Tottenham superstar Heung Min Son.
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