Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Charlie Bennett

Youngster dubbed 'next Erling Haaland' lists Leeds United among 'favourite' Premier League clubs

Croatian wonderkid Dion Drena Beljo has name-checked Leeds United when discussing his favourite Premier League clubs. The 20-year-old is turning heads in his native country for NK Osijek, bagging eight goals already this season.

At 6ft 5in, comparisons have been made to Leeds-born superstar Erling Haaland. Dreno Beljo has also represented Croatia at under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels.

The Whites lack depth up front, with Patrick Bamford’s injury woes continuing to detriment the team. If Drena Beljo joined Leeds, he would likely be viewed as a long-term option rather than someone for the present.

READ MORE: Leeds United's Tyler Adams criticised for 'one mistake he's made this entire tournament'

Signing Wilfried Gnonto gives Jesse Marsch a track record of investing in high-rated, up-and-coming strikers. Another arrival akin to Haaland - who has joked about a move to Leeds in the past - would not be a surprise.

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, the Croatian listed Leeds among his “favourite” teams. Two other Uniteds, Newcastle and Manchester, also received a mention.

“I wouldn’t mind winning the Premier League either,” Drena Beljo said. “I watch almost every game in England. The best players in the world play there. The Premier League is the best league in the world.

“In England, there are so many teams with a lot of quality. The football there is very intense. I really enjoy that. Most recently Manchester United (are my favourite team) because of Cristiano Ronaldo, but there is another team that will surely surprise you: Newcastle United.

‘Because when I was a kid, I watched the film ‘Goal’ and the player in that film fulfilled his dream of a professional career at Newcastle. I think Newcastle will be even better in real life. Because of their financial power and their incredible fans. I also like Leeds United, by the way.”

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.