“Everton came close to signing Erling Haaland for a bargain fee of £2 million, with the striker even visiting the club, but the deal fell apart.”
Everton Missed Out on Signing Erling Haaland for Just £2 Million
In what could have been one of the most significant transfers in football history, Everton reportedly had the chance to sign Erling Haaland for a mere £2 million but failed to finalize the deal. The Manchester City star, now regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, was even “in the building” at Everton’s facilities during negotiations, according to sources. However, the transfer never materialized, leaving Everton fans to wonder what could have been.
The revelation has shocked football fans, especially considering Haaland’s meteoric rise in recent years. The Norwegian striker, who now commands astronomical transfer fees and wages, has become a key player for Manchester City, breaking records and dominating both domestic and international competitions. Yet, at one point in his early career, he was available for a fraction of his current value.
The deal dates back to Haaland’s time at Molde FK, where he was beginning to make a name for himself under the guidance of then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Everton’s scouting network identified the young forward as a potential star and initiated discussions about bringing him to Goodison Park. With a transfer fee of just £2 million on the table, it seemed like a no-brainer for the Merseyside club.
Reports suggest that Haaland visited Everton’s facilities and was keen on the move. However, for reasons that remain unclear, the deal collapsed. Some speculate that the club may have doubted the teenager’s ability to adapt to the Premier League, while others suggest financial constraints or internal disagreements played a role.
Fast forward to today, and the missed opportunity looms large. Haaland eventually joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he truly exploded onto the global stage. His incredible goal-scoring prowess caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs, and in 2022, he signed for Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth £51 million—an amount that now seems like a bargain considering his impact.
At City, Haaland has continued to shatter records, becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Premier League and winning a treble in his debut season. His market value has skyrocketed, and he is now considered one of the most valuable players in the world.
Everton, on the other hand, have struggled in recent years, battling relegation and facing financial difficulties. The club’s inability to secure Haaland for such a low fee adds to a series of missed opportunities that have plagued them. Fans and pundits alike have criticized the club’s recruitment strategy, highlighting this incident as a glaring example of what could have been.
While hindsight is 20/20, the Haaland saga underscores the importance of making bold decisions in football. Everton’s failure to take a chance on the young Norwegian has cost them dearly, both on and off the pitch. For Haaland, it’s another reminder of how far he has come—from a teenager with potential to one of the most feared strikers in world football.
