A Norwegian forward who navigated a decade of Premier League transfers and loan spells

A Norwegian forward who navigated a decade of Premier League transfers and loan spells
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In short: Joshua King’s professional journey spans from Manchester United’s youth academy to the top flight of English football. Across a career defined by frequent moves, injuries, and international duty for Norway, King became a notable goalscorer, eventually securing his place as one of the few Norwegians to net a Premier League hat-trick.

Born in Oslo in 1992, Joshua King began his career at Romsås IL before moving to Vålerenga. His talent caught the attention of Manchester United, where he signed in 2008 after turning 16. His early years were marked by a series of loan spells at clubs including Preston North End, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Hull City. These formative years were often interrupted by injuries, including a groin issue that curtailed his time in Germany and a hamstring problem during his transition to Blackburn Rovers.

King’s career gained momentum after a permanent move to Blackburn in 2013, followed by a switch to AFC Bournemouth in 2015. At Bournemouth, he became a central figure, finishing as the club's top scorer in his debut Premier League season. His 2017 campaign was particularly prolific, featuring a five-goal burst in three matches. During this period, he achieved a rare milestone for his country, becoming the sixth Norwegian to record a hat-trick in a Premier League game.

Beyond his club success, King represented Norway at multiple youth levels before making his senior international debut against Iceland in 2012. He scored his first international goal later that year against Cyprus. His career continued to evolve with stints at Everton, Watford, Fenerbahçe, and Toulouse. Throughout these transitions, King remained a consistent, if nomadic, presence in professional football, balancing the demands of league play with his contributions to the Norwegian national team.

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