Leeds United ultimately crushed Belgian side Genk 7-0 at home.
Haaland scored four goals and provided one assist before being subbed off in the second half for Rashford.
His performance instantly ignited a global sensation.
The first round of the Champions League didn't feature any particularly high-profile matchups to grab the spotlight, but Haaland's explosive display immediately became the center of attention for media and fans across the world.
As early as last season in the Premier League, people had already begun paying attention to this young talent from Leeds United.
Haaland had scored in five consecutive Premier League matches last season.
Now, at 19 years old, he had scored four goals and provided an assist in his first Champions League match of the new season—the best performance ever by a U20 player in Champions League history.
Even Mbappe didn't achieve such a feat.
Everyone was hyping up this Leeds United prodigy, calling him the most promising star since Mbappe. Some even said he had surpassed Sancho, who also had a stellar performance with two assists and one goal in the same match.
The British media, of course, jumped at the chance to shower him with praise, as if it cost them nothing.
The Sun hailed him as the first player to do this since the format of the Champions League changed!
Praise poured in from all sides, but Leeds United remained unusually low-key.
At the post-match press conference, Pochettino called Haaland's performance outstanding, but also pointed out that the player still had plenty of room to grow.
"He is an incredible player. He can attack and score in many different ways on the pitch. He has a natural instinct for goal, but I think he's far from reaching his limit."
Pochettino also clarified that Haaland would not yet be the team's starting center forward, as he was still young.
"At his age, playing too many matches and overloading his muscles is clearly not ideal. We must be responsible for his long-term development. He's a product of our youth academy, and we need him to play for this club for the next ten years, not just now."
"More importantly, this team is not just about Haaland."
"Vardy was the best homegrown striker last season. He's maintained a consistently high goal-scoring efficiency and is also our team captain. I don't think Haaland can replace Vardy just yet."
But it was Vardy who had something even more impressive to say.
In a post-match interview, the Leeds United captain praised Haaland, stating that the young Norwegian already had the ability to become the team's main striker.
"I'm very happy to see his growth and progress. To be honest, I'm definitely a bit uncomfortable, but I have to congratulate him. He's a phenomenal player. Even though he's still young, he has what it takes to become a key figure in the team."
"If he can contribute more and bring the team more victories as a starter, I'd be happy to see him playing more," Vardy said generously.
Haaland also expressed his appreciation for the captain's words.
In a media interview, the Norwegian youngster said he respected Vardy greatly and saw him as a role model.
"Vardy has the kind of resilience and fighting spirit that all professional players should learn from."
"My father played many matches for the national team and also had great success at Leeds United and Manchester City. He gave me a lot of advice about what it takes to become a professional."
"He told me that Vardy has many valuable qualities that I should learn from, and that's what I've been doing all along."
"I hope, and believe, that one day I'll surpass our captain, but for now, I just want to focus on playing well. I will continue to respect him as I always have, and continue learning from him. He's a great professional."
Haaland also expressed how happy he was at Leeds United, saying he felt like he was constantly improving.
"That's the most important thing. The coaching staff has high expectations of me, and I understand that's because they expect more from me than they do from others. I once said that Mr. Gao Shen told me I could become the best player in the world, and he's the person I trust the most!"
Haaland's comments were neither arrogant nor humble, and they earned unanimous support within the Leeds United camp.
Many said that Haaland was a cheerful person who always wore a smile, and that was important.
"He sets very high standards for himself, constantly pushing himself to improve, always forcing himself out of his comfort zone to take the next step," Sancho said, also speaking highly of him.
The young Englishman has been one of Leeds United's top performers this season. Having come up through the youth academy alongside Haaland, he believes the Norwegian has the potential to be a world-class star.
But not long after the first round of the Champions League group stage, The Sun dropped a bombshell—many Premier League giants were targeting the young striker, and one had even offered his agent a whopping €15 million commission.
"As long as the agent can convince the player to leave Leeds United, he gets the money. Who could say no to that?"
Furthermore, The Sun revealed that several top clubs had made offers to Haaland. Manchester United, having lost Lukaku, were the first to move, offering Haaland a guaranteed starting role, promising to nurture him as their star forward, and were even willing to pay him a staggering £300,000 per week.
That's an unheard-of figure for a 19-year-old.
The Sun claimed Manchester United made the move because they saw enormous potential in Haaland.
Currently, Haaland's estimated market value was around €100 million, but if his form continued, this Leeds United academy product might just become the next Mbappe.
How much did Mbappe cost when he was 20?
€250 million!
And people still say Real Madrid got a bargain.
So instead of waiting for a player to reach his peak, it's better to act fast and lock him down.
The Sun's report shocked the entire European football scene—and beyond.
The "Price Hike League" was already infamous for its aggressive spending, but offering a teenager such a ridiculous wage sent the message loud and clear: the competition for elite talent in European football was now cutthroat.
Other British media quickly joined in, speculating and fueling the fire around Haaland's potential transfer to Manchester United, even digging up the old grudge between Haaland's father and Roy Keane.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince stated in an interview that it would be difficult for Manchester United to sign Haaland from Leeds.
"His father was seriously injured by Roy Keane. The two never reconciled. He's not going to Manchester United."
Leeds United acted fast, and their response was firm.
Gao Shen made a rare public appearance and gave an interview, once again expressing his belief in Haaland, saying the striker could become the best player in the world.
"There are two players right now—Mbappe and Haaland. These two have the potential to lead the next generation."
Gao Shen emphasized that Haaland still wasn't ready to fully mature.
"I've trained many players, including right here at Leeds United. It's hard for us to believe a 19-year-old can already be that mature. I don't think overhyping him is helpful."
"In fact, after the match against Genk, I talked to Haaland and reminded him to stay calm and rational. His future is still full of uncertainty."
"That's how the media works. Over the years, they create new stars every season, but once these players don't live up to expectations, they'll tear them down without mercy."
"We've seen it happen again and again. That's why the players themselves must stay grounded."
Gao Shen also addressed the issue of Haaland's transfer rumors, making it clear that the player wasn't leaving Leeds.
"Haaland told me personally that he has no intention of leaving Leeds United. He's happy here and wants to continue growing and developing at this pace. That's what really matters."
"I can say with absolute certainty that all the rumors out there about him leaving are just media hype, and some are outright irresponsible. He signed an extension with us just last year, and both he and the club have no intention of parting ways."
Gao Shen also revealed Haaland's release clause in his five-year contract: £1 billion.
"That's our way of showing how much we value him. He trusts us, and we believe in him. We'll do everything to help him succeed. He'll play for Leeds for many years to come, just like his father, and become the team's symbol."
He also clarified something for the public: Leeds United was already one of the top teams in European football.
"We're the reigning Champions League winners, and Premier League champions. Would any player really give up the chance to play for Leeds United and go to a club that isn't even in the Champions League?"
Gao Shen's final words were clearly aimed at Manchester United.
Since you came knocking, don't blame me for slicing you up in public.
Gao Shen's appearance temporarily settled the situation, and Leeds United kept a low profile.
At the same time, the club arranged a meeting with Haaland's father.
This time, Gao Shen personally made the call, and Haaland quickly agreed.
He didn't try to appeal to emotion. With years of business experience, Gao Shen knew emotional appeals were inefficient, even counterproductive. You only used them as a last resort.
Instead, he laid out the biggest card Leeds United had—their future.
(To be continued.)
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