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As the January transfer window nears, Erling Håland is the one name that is dominating football headlines all over the globe. The teenage sensation has been in sublime goal-scoring form this season, having scored an astounding 28 goals and setting up a further 7 in just 22 games this season and setting a host of records along the way.
On December 18, 2019, reputed football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the 4 clubs who have made an official offer for the Norwegian are Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus.
All 4 clubs are most certainly great options for Håland with their own sets of pros and cons should he accept their offer.
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Here, we analyse the options that Erling Håland has on the table and rank the 4 aforementioned clubs as potential destinations for the striker.
4. Juventus
On paper, Juventus is undoubtedly a fantastic move. Their domestic dominance will certainly ensure that Håland will have titles to show for should he move to Turin, and he can go on to become a decorated footballer in the future.
The Norwegian could also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner up top with 5-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. For a striker who has been termed as one of the most unique talents of the new generation of wonderkids in European football, it would be an unbelievable experience to train week in week out with perhaps the most phenomenal and merciless goalscorer in football history.
Håland would also be supported a star-studded squad as well, with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Douglas Costa, Federico Bernardeschi, Aaron Ramsey, and more to switch around with.
Thay being said, however, the fact that Juventus are arguably one of the top clubs in Europe right now could also mean a few other things for the Norwegian.
Playing time at this moment would be the key to a successful move for the former Molde striker and as of now, there are no certainties regarding the role he could command in the squad. Despite the number of overwhelming pros that favour a move to the Allianz Stadium, the pressure that Juventus are under to win the Champions League and potentially playing second-fiddle to their existing firepower could prove to be detrimental to Håland's progress.
This is not to say Juventus in a couple of years won't be looking for a new striker, as both Ronaldo and Higuain approach the twilights of their respective careers. But as of January 2020, it might not be the wisest option for Håland.
3. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund is a relatively safer choice to opt for with regard to playing time. Former Barcelona man Paco Alcacer is currently the first-choice striker at the Signal Iduna Park and Håland's other occasional competitor for that spot is Mario Gotze. Both have played 10 games this season, scoring 5 and 2 goals respectively.
BVB also have an interesting history with strikers over the last decade or so. Bayern Munich star man Robert Lewandowski and Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are two of the most notable high-profile players that have departed Dortmund for a fresh challenge after obliterating defences playing for them. Alcacer has revived his career, which at one point looked like a dangerously slippery slope after his Barcelona move.
Håland would be at the heart of some incredibly offence-oriented football and for a goalscorer such as himself, it would be a delightful prospect. Marco Reus, Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt, and Jadon Sancho form a stellar cast of attacking options behind Håland and it's safe to say that he will be well-supported at the top of the line.
The Norwegian can give Dortmund a different way to attack, considering the number of physical attributes that he brings to the table and Lucien Favre's side could benefit from his profile. Success, although, is perhaps the only notable risk should this move materialise. Having last won the Bundesliga in the 2011/12 season, they have just the one trophy to show for in the decade - a DFB-Pokal cup in 2016/17.
2. Manchester United
The very obvious fire that fuels the speculation of Håland being targetted for a move told Trafford is that his compatriot and former coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is at the helm of Manchester United. The former United player has spoken of the club's search for attacking reinforcements and a move for Håland would be spectacular.
There is a section of the Old Trafford faithful that believe that the potential purchase of the Norwegian would hamper the progress of Anthony Martial's transition back to the central striker role, with Mason Greenwood coming up through the ranks as well and scoring some crucial goals this season. Marcus Rashford's time playing centrally as well will be affected.
In retrospect, considering Solskjaer's insistence on playing in a certain way, it wouldn't be surprising if he does indeed build the attack keeping Håland in mind. He was the coach that was largely responsible for his breakthrough at FK Molde and the player himself has spoken about the United manager's influence on his young career.
Also read: 3 Reasons why Manchester United must sign Jadon Sancho
The Solskjaer links aside, the Salzburg striker would offer a plethora of different options in attack, many of which United do not possess. Since Romelu Lukaku's departure, they do not have an intimidating goalscoring presence in the box, and someone who will score them goals by any means necessary. Their scoring has taken a toll this season due to a lack of genuine goal threats who can consistently bag 15 to 20 goals a season.
Håland is a terrific header of the ball and at full speed, he is a difficult man to stop due to his physical stature. His powerful runs can add a different dimension to an already pacy attack with the likes of Rashford and Martial. Should Håland potentially opt for a move to Old Trafford, the potential of both their attack and the squad would be monumental. Solskjaer could also opt for a 4-4-2 with the colossal Norwegian leading the line alongside a bit more intricate Martial.
Their troubles in front of goal have cost them dearly this season and with a relatively resolute defence and an improved attack, United could secure Champions League football on a regular basis and contend for trophies all across the board.
1. RB Leipzig
Arguably the most logical choice for Håland's next club is RB Leipzig, and this is the case for a number of reasons. On December 17, Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche confirmed that they have made their fellow Red Bull-powered club RB Salzburg for their star forward. That in addition to the constant links of Timo Werner departing the club could mean that there is a ready-made spot for Håland to immediately step into and make his own.
The Red Bull connection that the clubs share owing to their owners will make this an easy transfer in every way should Håland chose to move to RB Leipzig. That being said, however, there are another couple of factors that make this the ideal choice.
Julian Nagelsmann is a phenomenal tactician and has constantly shown that since his time at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The German-made history recently by becoming the youngest ever coach to lead a team in the knock out stages of the Champions League. With an exciting side at his disposal featuring the likes of Emil Forsberg, Yussuf Poulsen, Ibrahima Konate, and Timo Werner (for the time being), Leipzig is one of the most exciting projects in German and European football.
With Werner's potential departure, Nagelsmann could look to rebuild the attack with Håland partnering Poulsen up top and form a lethal partnership. If the Norwegian clicks at the Reb Bull Arena and further develops into a world-class striker, he can then command a bigger move elsewhere as well. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Silverware is perhaps the only issue in terms of things that work against the move but at 19 years of age, Håland has his whole career ahead of him to hunt for trophies. RB Leipzig is the ideal choice for the next step in Erling Håland's young career.
