Jens Petter Hauge makes Aston Villa transfer statement after Champions League masterclass
Bodo/Glimt forward Jens Petter Hauge looks destined for a Premier League move this summer – and Aston Villa may be tempted to swoop after his latest heroics.
Villa are believed to be keen to sign a new wideman to strengthen Unai Emery‘s squad ahead of the next campaign, with his current options simply not performing.
Indeed, Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey have both been underwhelming on the flanks, putting too much of a creative burden on Morgan Rogers.
This has led the Midlands club to be linked with a host of potential attackers, and Hauge, judging from his Champions League masterclass on Wednesday, could be among them.
The only question is whether they would be able to fend off likely fierce competition.
What did Jens Petter Hauge do in the Champions League?
Norwegian side Bodo squeezed through the Champions League league phase by the skin of their teeth after earning staggering victories against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
That then set up a play-off tie against last season’s finalist Inter Milan, with the underdogs triumphing both home and away to progress to the last-16.
Hauge was instrumental in the run, and he was again at his brilliant best in the 3-0 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg at the Aspmyra Stadium.
The forward had teed up Kasper Hogh for the home side’s third goal, and nearly curled in a fourth late on, only for his effort to narrowly miss the target.
While he did not find the net himself, he ran the show. Having largely focused on creating for his team-mates, he carved out two big opportunities and laid on as many key passes.
With an 84 per cent pass accuracy and 83 touches, he popped up all over the pitch, penning Sporting back, while his 31 carries, nine of which were progressive, caused havoc.
Hauge was just as diligent at the other end, too, making three defensive contributions.
| Hauge vs Sporting Lisbon | Statistic |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches | 83 |
| Pass accuracy | 84% |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Carries | 31 |
With performances like these, it is little wonder former scout Bryan King exclusively told Villa News that Emery should swoop for the Norwegian international.
Signing Hauge is a no-brainer for Aston Villa
King is confident that Hauge would be available for “sensible money”, and with Villa in dire straits financially, this swoop would appear to be a no-brainer.
The 26-year-old is able to play on both the left and right-hand side and has an impressive track record of devastating performances against Europe’s elite.
As a result, he looks ready-made for the Premier League. It would be staggering if he doesn’t get his big move this summer, and Villa should make sure they are at the front of the queue.
For now, they will watch as Hauge continues to upset the Champions League odds.
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