Why Jens Petter Hauge would be a smart investment for Leeds United
According to claims from Calciomercato (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United have been credited with an interest in highly-rated winger Jens Petter Hauge, who currently plies his trade with Bodo/Glimt in the Norwegian top-flight.
As per the report, Leeds are at the front of the queue to sign the 20-year-old Norwegian starlet, who has also attracted interest from several other Premier League clubs.
It has also been reported that AC Milan are plotting a move for the winger after he caught the eye in Bodo/Glimt’s 3-2 defeat against the Rossoneri in the third qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday.
Profile
Jens Petter Hauge rose through the youth ranks of Bodo/Glimt before making his senior professional bow for the Norwegian giants during the 2016 Eliteserien campaign.
The 20-year-old has carved out a reputation for himself as one of the most exciting young prospects to come out of Northern Europe. Hauge has racked up some amazing numbers in the ongoing edition of the Eliteserien, scoring 14 goals and 9 assists in just 17 appearances.
The Norway U-21 international also caught the eye in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, scoring 3 goals and registering 2 assists in 3 fixtures as Bodo/Glimt lost out to AC Milan. Hauge has accumulated an impressive tally of 35 goals and 29 assists in 116 appearances for Bodo/Glimt in all competitions.
Hauge would add more depth to Leeds’ attack
Rodrigo Moreno remains the only major addition to Leeds United’s attack so far in the summer window. The Whites have scored 8 goals in their first three top-flight fixtures this season. They have caught the eyes with some aesthetic attacking football.
However, Leeds’ lack of depth in the attack remains a major cause of concern moving forward. Rodrigo’s arrival offers Bielsa with a quality striker along with Patrick Bamford up top and a feasible option in the No.10 role. But the Whites don’t have much cover for their first-choice wide duo of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa.
Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski are, of course, wingers by trade but Bielsa has looked more inclined to utilise them at left-back. Hence, it goes without saying that the West Yorkshire giants need more competition for places out wide to reduce the workload on Harrison and Costa.
Jens Petter Hauge, to that end, presents a young and talented option in the market with untapped potential. Though the Norwegian top-flight is nowhere as competitive as the Premier League, the 20-year-old’s eye-watering numbers in his homeland certainly can’t be ignored altogether.
The youngster almost averages a goal per game in the Eliteserien this season, while also contributing with a significant number of assists. Hauge hasn’t only outgrown his humble surroundings in Norway but has also proven his mettle in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
The left-winger’s scintillating performance against a top side like AC Milan lies testament to the fact that he is, indeed, capable of making the step up to a more competitive domestic league. That coupled with his versatility to play out wide on either flank and through the middle as an attacking midfielder, should make him an excellent proposition for Leeds United.
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Verdict
It is clear from the above discussion that the acquisition of Jens Petter Hauge would add more depth and quality to Leeds’ wide attacking options. The Norwegian looks more than capable of competing for a place at Elland Road if his stellar numbers in his homeland are anything to go by.
The 20-year-old seems like a special talent with his best years still ahead of him. Having said that, the Whites completing a swoop for Hauge would serve them well, not only for the present but for several years moving ahead.
