Who is Mikkel Damsgaard? The Euros star wanted by the Premier League

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 27 Jun 2022 16:57 BST
6 min read

© ProShots - Mikel Damsgaard scores against Russia for Denmark, Euro 2020

Mikkel Damsgaard was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2020 and the playmaker is once again drawing admiring glances from the Premier League.

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The Sampdoria star was drafted into Denmark’s team to replace Christian Eriksen and truly thrived under the pressure of an entire nation.

Not only did Damsgaard bag a tremendous goal against Russia, but he also provided an assist in the Last 16 win over Wales. However, most fans across Europe will probably remember him most for his remarkable free-kick goal against England in the semi-finals.

At the moment Damsgaard is at Sampdoria, and the Italian outfit are bracing themselves for a flurry of transfer offers, having successfully kept hold of him ahead of the 2021/22 season.

But he spent a significant spell on the sidelines as a result of arthritis, which has been debilitating for him and meant he didn't play from October until April. Even after his return he was restricted to a series of substitute appearances, both in Serie A and for his country.

However the 21-year-old still has talent to burn, and after previously being linked with Liverpool, Tottenham have also emerged on the radar.

What position does Mikkel Damsgaard play in?

Damsgaard can play in central midfield or behind the striker through the middle, or as a winger or a left forward.

How good is Mikkel Damsgaard?

Damsgaard only joined Sampdoria in 2020 from Superligaen side FC Nordsjaelland for a fee in the region of £5.8 million (€6.7m), and his market value soon afterwards was €20m, but his lack of action has seen this fall to around €6m, with two years left on his contract.

He helped Claudio Ranieri’s men to mid-table in the Italian top flight in 2020/21, with his two goals and four assists coming in 18 starts this past campaign. But it’s his overall displays that have really caught the eye of the continent’s elite clubs.

Though his goal contributions are not eyewatering, he is still learning his trade at just 20-years-old and is part of a Sampdoria side who can run hot or cold.

In terms of his creativity, he averaged 2.3 completed dribbles and 3.2 completed crosses per match in Serie A in 2020/21..

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However, it is his performances for Denmark which have enhanced his reputation even more after thriving in some of the biggest games of the tournament and against outstanding opponents, like Russia, Belgium and England.

What clubs are interested in Mikkel Damsgaard?

The two clubs most notably interested in the young Dane are Tottenham and West Ham.

There are also claims in Italy that AC Milan are interested in signing him from Sampdoria.

As the transfer window drew to a close, Real Madrid were mentioned as potential suitors, but now that the season has begun, it is Liverpool who are now thought to be leading the race.

When asked about Damsgaard leaving, Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero jokingly said the goal against Russia had added €10m onto the club's asking price.

"Did you see that Damsgaard goal? I'll tell you it's fair price, today at least 30 million. But if he scores again he will reach 40!" he said, as quoted by Gazzetta Sampdoriana.