What World Cup cult hero Erling Haaland has previously said about playing in the MLS

Erling Haaland is up there with the most popular soccer players in the US after his World Cup run, and fans in the States would no doubt love to see more of the Norwegian superstar.

Norway’s unlikely run to the quarter-finals attracted widespread attention and praise in recent weeks, and the burly striker has become one of the hottest names in the sport.

Haaland embraced American culture and spoke of his love for the fans here, but that doesn’t mean he would switch the Premier League for the MLS — at least not any time soon.

Erling Haaland on why MLS move is not on his mind

Major League Soccer has exploded in popularity recently. Helped by the arrival of soccer’s biggest draw, Lionel Messi, interest has spread far beyond the 50 states.

But it’s still not close to Europe’s major leagues. Haaland is perhaps the Premier League’s most famous player now. US fans can forget about seeing him making the move.

The question was put to him back in 2023. Appearing on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, he explained why the MLS hasn’t come into his thoughts.

Haaland said: “No, I didn’t think that. I haven’t been a lot. I’ve been two times. I’m 23, so people are going over to the MLS and playing football there.

“I never thought of it because I’m young. I’m playing in Man City, you know? I basically just came here.”

Now 25, Haaland is at the peak of his powers. The MLS just can’t appeal to prime talents of that sort, who want to be playing in the Champions League each and every season.

Maybe the fun he’s had at this tournament has sparked the thought for later in his career, but for now, it sounds like a pipe dream.

Haaland has already returned to Europe, and will be in action with Man City in Hong Kong at the start of next month. He will be focused on settling in with new manager Enzo Maresca — not dreaming of a return across the pond.

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