Football NewsEverton had previously missed out on the opportunity to acquire Erling Haaland’s services
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The Norway international, who has netted as many as 86 goals in 89 games with Borussia Dortmund since 2020, could have joined the Toffees back in 2016.

Everton could have had him for a compensation fee of 60,000 pounds

Manchester City have managed to seal a deal that will land them one of the most sought after players in the world in Erling Haaland. Still, Everton had previously missed out on the opportunity to acquire his services. The Norway international, who has netted as many as 86 goals in 89 games with Borussia Dortmund since 2020, could have joined the Toffees back in 2016. Aged 15 at the time, Haaland was still at his hometown club Bryne when he was spotted by Everton’s Scandinavian scout Bryan King, who recommended him for a trial at the Premier League club. “We could have had him for a compensation fee of 60,000 pounds,” King told reporters. “But the consensus was he was so young and so big that he’d lose his effectiveness once he got older and other players got bigger.

It has been an honour for Haaland, to wear BVB’s shirt

“But, of course, that hasn’t happened. He’s just become even more powerful, even quicker and even better too.” Later, former director of football Steve Walsh had agreed to sign Haaland for 3.4m pounds, but the deal fell through as owner Farhad Moshiri didn’t give the green light. Haaland will part ways with the Bundesliga club in the summer. In his last game for Dortmund, he netted from the spot to lead his team to a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday. “It has been nothing but an honour to wear this shirt,’ the Norwegian striker tweeted after the game. At Dortmund, I’ve spent memorable moments and met extraordinary people, not to mention a fan base that has always been our extra man on the pitch. I’ll never forget any of this!”

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola expressed his certainty that Haaland will have no issues adapting to Manchester City’s style of play. “He can come for many, many years hopefully, and I am pretty sure he will adapt perfectly to our team but for next season,” Guardiola noted. “I’m excited about my job, but, of course, the players make you a good manager. Haaland is an incredible young talent perfect age. I am pretty sure we will help him settle as best possible.”