Club Brugge team-mate Bjorn Meijer admits Noa Lang is ‘ready for the next step’ as Premier League trio Leeds United, Everton and West Ham eye the Dutch international, speaking to Voetbal Belgie.
Likened to not only Neymar but Robin van Persie and Zinedine Zidane too, the moment will soon arrive for Lang to introduce his outrageous technical to a wider audience. After three years, four trophies and 34 goals, the one-time Ajax youngster is expected to leap out of the relatively small pond that is Belgian football sooner rather than later, with a handful of Premier League clubs ready to test Brugge’s resolve.
Leeds are long-time admirers; the £25 million-rated Lang admitting himself that the Yorkshire giants made ‘three offers’ during a previous transfer window.
Everton and West Ham are also casting admiring glances in Lang’s direction (Calciomercato). Though both the Toffees and the Hammers, like Leeds for that matter, will only be in a position to lure Lang away from the Jan Breydel Stadium if they can stave off the threat of relegation.
Leeds United, West Ham and Everton like Noa Lang
“Noa Lang is ready for the next step,” Meijer admits. “I would understand if many clubs are interested in him. He made it through after a difficult summer. That deserves a compliment.
“I would miss him on the left wing.”
A tricky, skilful right-footed left winger – hence those Neymar comparisons – Lang has eight goals and three assists this season. He was Club Brugge’s stand-out performer during the recent Champions League last-16 defeat to Benfica; a bright spark in a difficult spell under beleaguered head coach Scott Parker.
“Noa has a transfer in mind, yes. He wants to take a step forward,” explains Nourdin Boukhari, Lang’s step-father and the former Morocco international.
“And that has to happen this summer. If he continues at this level, it will definitely come to fruition.”
Marcelo Bielsa reportedly had concerns about Lang’s defensive work ethic (The Athletic). It remains to be seen if Leeds next head coach – be if Javi Gracia or another – is willing to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to one of European football’s more divisive characters.
“When you see his qualities, it is unbelievable,” says former Ajax coach Richard Witschge. “I think he’s a bit of a Zidane. This guy is so athletic, fast and technical too. He basically has everything Zidane had.
“I hope he is just as strong in his mind as Zidane, who was always focused on football.”
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