Born in Leeds, crafted in Norway: How Haaland became nation's superstar

When England's manager at the time, Gareth Southgate, was asked in 2020 whether there was ever a possibility of Haaland playing for the Three Lions, he shut it down pretty quickly. "With players like him, they're quite clear where they want to play," Southgate said. "He feels that allegiance to the country that he's playing for now and you're always very respectful of that." Haaland was born in Leeds - where his father Alf-Inge was still based, having just left Leeds United for Manchester City - in 2000. The family moved to Bryne in Norway three years later following Alf-Inge's retirement through injury, which ended a spell at City. The young Haaland's talent was spotted early and he quickly moved through the youth teams at Bryne before being taken on by Molde in 2017, joining a club then managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Solskjaer helped to turn Haaland into the attacking force he is today and has often spoken highly of his former player, expressing regret that he could not bring him to Old Trafford when he became manager at Manchester United. The young forward began to draw attention during his time at Red Bull Salzburg before a spell at Borussia Dortmund really announced him on the world stage. Erling Haaland's move to Manchester City came in 2022 - one many felt had been inevitable with his father's history with the club and his own love of English football. …