Long-time Leeds United target Noa Lang has come flying out the blocks ahead of a summer move with claims he ‘made Belgian football hot’ and that he is destined for Real Madrid. The Dutchman is well known for his self-assuredness and has backed himself to get to the top of world football in the near future.
Lang has been included in the Netherlands squad for the remainder of their Nations League matches. He did not feature against Belgium but could be in line to play Wales on Wednesday.
And the 22-year-old has been set for a move away from Belgian side Club Brugge after a breakthrough season saw him rack up seven goals and 12 assists in 31 Belgian Pro League matches - he also produced a couple of sparking performances on the European stage against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
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He has been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road for some time as a priority target under Marcelo Bielsa, but those cameos garnered further interest from the likes of Arsenal and AC Milan. And he already seems determined not just to leave Brugge but to climb through the ranks to become one of the best footballers in the world - and he’s not short of confidence.
“I made Belgian football hot. I honestly think so. Children aged six to seven now know Club Brugge.” Lang told dutch outlet De Telegraaf . “In the Netherlands people suddenly look at your competition. That was not the case before I played at Club [Brugge].
“Believe me: Belgium is going to miss me when I’m gone. I have coloured your football. Next season you will pray that there will be a Noa Lang walking around in Belgium, who can also play football as well. Only…. you will hardly find it.
“I am an entertainer. People come to the stadium for guys like me. And that finger on my mouth [celebration] has kind of become my signature, because I know how much that does to people. I also enjoy that sensation.
“[I’m] one who plays Champions League and reaches the top. I am 22 and have all the time."
There are understandably plenty of suitors for the tricky winger, with a move to Serie A champions AC Milan currently looking the most likely. Leeds will keep tabs on developments over the summer and, you would expect, be ready at the trigger should the chance come up.
But Lang has his sights set on the highest goal of them all, with dreams of Real Madrid and Ballon D’Or challenges in the future.
“I don’t have to go to Real Madrid right away, that step is incredibly big.” He added. “I first want to perform well elsewhere and then sign as a big boy at the absolute top of the world. I’ll get there, I’m convinced.”
