Matthew Hoppe was left out of Real Mallorca’s lineup this weekend amidst interest from Championship rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Diario de Mallorca reports that the two clubs have a concrete interest in the American international.
He made his name after a hattrick against Hoffenheim in the 2020/21 Bundesliga season. Schalke were well on their way to a pathetic season, losing their opening 15 games. Their season had begun with a ruthless 8-0 battering by Bayern Munich.
In the 16th game, they faced off against the Die Kraichgauer. Matthew Hoppe was named in the starting lineup. Fans had no idea what to make of it at that time. But soon enough, the teenager scored a sensational hattrick.
Schalke won the game 4-0 eventually. The hattrick was like a ray of sunshine in the dark times for the Schalke faithful. After a prolonged period of misery, they finally had something to cheer for. Jurgen Klinsmann was full of praise for the American that day.
Seeing him there today, scoring three goals in probably one of the most difficult moments in Schalke’s history, is just incredible. This is a fairytale story, you know? It should make the kid super proud. It should make the youth system in America super proud and it’s a big, big deal at Schalke.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Where Is Hoppe Now?
Despite his heroics, Hoppe could not help Schalke avoid the drop that season. The striker later moved to Spanish outfit Mallorca, but could not establish himself. He has only scored two goals since the performance that put him on the map.
Hoppe now has an opportunity for redemption, though. Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Sunderland are vying for his signature.
Hoppe is interested in moving to Middlesbrough, claims 90Min. He would join Zack Steffen, a fellow American international. Despite taking Jack Clarke from Spurs and Ellis Simms on loan from Everton last week, Sunderland is also in the running.
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