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Erling Haaland’s rise makes Everton’s missed chance even more painful

2026-07-18 · Erling Haaland · Transfer

Erling Haaland’s rise makes Everton’s missed chance even more painful

Erling Haaland’s staggering rise at Manchester City makes Everton’s summer pursuit of Alexander Sorloth feel like a cruel twist of fate. Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider the Toffees could have signed Haaland years ago: a decision they now live to regret.

What did the ex-Everton scout say?

King, who brought Haaland to Merseyside from Bryne, said it would be “funny” if Everton now chase Sorloth after passing on Haaland in 2016. At the time, Haaland was at Bryne and would later join Molde for just £85,000. King told Football Insider on 18 Jul 2026: “Wouldn’t it be funny if Everton went for Sorloth and 10 years ago they could have signed Haaland?”

Why this matters for Erling Haaland

Haaland has since become one of football’s most feared strikers. Since joining City in 2022, he has scored 162 goals in 198 games, delivered two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. At 25, he ranks among the planet’s most valuable players alongside Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. King added: “You see him now, the way he knocks people about: people his size, he handles them like small children.”

Everton’s transfer dilemma

Everton need a reliable finisher after their strikers failed to deliver last season. Beto and Thierno Barry never found form, leaving the Toffees searching for a new No. 9. Sorloth, 30, is ready to leave Atlético Madrid and could cost around £25 million. He bagged 20 goals across all competitions last year, making him a tempting option.

But the move would carry bitter irony. Everton’s 2016 decision to pass on Haaland now looks like one of the worst in club history. The Norwegian’s development at City has outpaced every expectation, while Everton’s striking department remains a weak spot.

What comes next?

Everton are assessing multiple targets, including Liam Delap and Valentín Barco. Both will likely cost more than Sorloth, but the Toffees need a proven goal threat. Moyes’ side opens their Premier League campaign on 16 Aug 2026 against Brighton.

Haaland’s rise only sharpens the contrast. His dominance at City underscores the cost of Everton’s missed opportunity: a mistake the club may never fully shake.

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