Exclusive: Bodø/Glimt Winger Jens Petter Hauge Eyes MLS Move with LAFC and NYCFC Circling

Having authored the greatest "redemption" story in Norwegian football in recent years, Jens Petter Hauge is on the verge of swapping the Arctic winds of Aspmyra for the glitz and glamour of American stadiums. 

Following a technical masterclass in European competitions, the Bodø/Glimt star has emerged as a top priority for MLS powerhouses looking to boost their brand value ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Scouting Report: U.S. Envoys Land in the North

Hauge’s mastery as an inverted winger has alerted MLS sides suffering from a deficit in creativity and elite "star power" upfront.

LAFC (Los Angeles FC): As the crown jewel of the Western Conference, LAFC views Hauge as a marquee signing. Leaked reports suggest scouts have graded his ball retention in tight spaces and attacking efficiency as "well above MLS standards."

New York City FC (NYCFC): The City Group-owned franchise believes Hauge’s technical ceiling is a seamless fit for their tactical philosophy. Negotiations with Bodø/Glimt are expected to ignite as the club seeks a new creative engine.

While interest from Lazio, Benfica, and even Turkey's Trabzonspor persists, the "lifestyle projects" and financial packages offered in the U.S. currently appear more enticing for the 26-year-old.

Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace were reportedly interested in Hauge last January, but a move never materialised, could they return to the table this summer?

Technical Observations: Why is he an MLS Fit?

Observers explain why Hauge’s style is a "perfect match" for the high-tempo, expansive football played across the Atlantic. 

A leader who maintains his cool under heavy pressure, a trait forged at AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt. His 86% pass completion rate is ranked as elite for a winger.

Hauge’s European pedigree is seen as a "goldmine" marketing asset for the U.S. market as the country prepares to host the world in 2026.

Valuation and Contractual Status

Bodø/Glimt holds a strong position at the negotiating table, with Hauge’s contract secured until December 2028.

The Norwegian champions are expected to demand a fee in the €10m–€15m range. For high-budget clubs like LAFC and NYCFC, this is a highly accessible figure for a "Designated Player" (DP) caliber talent.

Guaranteed salary offers from MLS are rumored to range between $2.5m and $3.5m per year, significantly outperforming potential earnings in mid-tier European roles.

This is a defining crossroads for Hauge. Instead of being a rotational piece in a top-five European league, the opportunity to become one of the faces of the MLS is shifting his career priorities. Moving to America is no longer a "retirement" step; for a modern winger like Hauge, it’s a strategic move to become a global brand before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.