Find out why Salzburg youngster Oscar Gloukh is attracting interest from EPL

It was Oscar Gloukh’s performances at the European U19 Championships in 2022 that alerted the world to his potential. Interest from Barcelona was eschewed in favour of a move to Red Bull Salzburg but do not expect his rise to be delayed for long.

In the autumn, his name was mentioned in reports linking him with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Soon after, it was Aston Villa said to be monitoring his progress. What is it that makes the 19-year-old Israel international such an appealing target?

Gerhard Struber, his head coach at Salzburg, is the man to ask. Under the Austrian, Gloukh has already scored in a Champions League win over Benfica in the Estadio da Luz and netted an equalising goal against Inter in the San Siro so far this season.

"Oscar is, from a technical standpoint, a different player," Struber tells Sky Sports. "He brings a lot of football intelligence with him. He is a scorer but also a hard worker. I think that mix makes him very interesting for the top clubs in Europe's best leagues right now."

Gloukh starred for his country as a No 10 in that U19 tournament in 2022, scoring a superb goal against England in the final. But it is cutting in from the left that he has found success with Salzburg. The team have even focused their attacks down that flank.

Those goals against Benfica and Inter highlight just why Gloukh chose Austria as his next step. The interest from Barcelona came late but the player suggested his decision would have been the same regardless. "It makes more sense for my development."

The example of Erling Haaland is a compelling one for young players. Gloukh knows this. So do the club. "Salzburg can be a trampoline for many big talents. You have the chance to play at a good level and at the