Joshua King, Norwegian footballer

Joshua Christian Kojo King, born on 15 January 1992, is a highly regarded Norwegian professional footballer. Predominantly operating as a versatile forward, capable of playing as a striker or on the wing, King currently showcases his talents in the English Premier League for Watford FC and is a vital member of the Norway national team.

Club Career Highlights and Progression

King's footballing journey began in Norway before attracting the attention of one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Early Career and Manchester United

In 2008, a significant milestone in King's burgeoning career occurred when he was signed by English giants Manchester United from Norwegian club Vålerenga. This move underscored his potential as a promising young talent being brought into one of the world's most prestigious academies. During his tenure at Old Trafford, King primarily developed within the club's acclaimed youth system. He made his senior competitive debut for Manchester United in September 2009, featuring as a substitute in a League Cup third-round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Development Through Loan Spells

To gain crucial first-team experience and accelerate his development, King embarked on a series of loan spells at various clubs. These included:

• Preston North End in the English Football League Championship.
• German Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he experienced top-flight football in a different European league.
• Hull City, another Championship club.
• Blackburn Rovers, a club where he would later return permanently.

Permanent Stays and Key Contributions

Following a productive loan period, King made a permanent switch to Blackburn Rovers in January 2013. He spent two and a half years at Ewood Park, establishing himself as a regular fixture and gaining valuable Championship experience.

A pivotal move in his career came in May 2015 when he transferred to AFC Bournemouth. It was at Bournemouth where King truly flourished, becoming a key attacking force for the club in the Premier League. He played a significant role in their top-flight campaigns, displaying his pace, power, and clinical finishing. Notably, King eventually became Bournemouth's all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League era, a testament to his consistent performance and profound impact over five seasons at the Vitality Stadium.

Recent Transfers in the Premier League

In February 2021, on the final day of the winter transfer window, King made a return to the Premier League, joining Everton. His spell at Goodison Park was relatively brief. Subsequently, in August 2021, he moved to Watford FC, where he continues to compete in the Premier League, aiming to contribute his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability to the team's efforts.

International Career for Norway

Joshua King has proudly represented Norway at various levels, demonstrating his commitment to his national team from a young age and becoming a significant figure for his country.

Youth International Progression

His progression through the national setup was comprehensive, including appearances for the Norway under-15, under-16, under-18, under-19, and under-21 squads. This journey provided him with invaluable experience in international competition and prepared him for the senior stage.

Senior Debut and Ongoing Impact

King earned his first senior international cap for the Norway national team in a friendly match against Iceland in 2012. Later that same year, he registered his inaugural international goal against Cyprus, marking a significant personal milestone in his international career. Since then, he has remained a regular and important figure for Norway, often featuring alongside other prominent Norwegian talents such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, as they collectively strive for success on the international stage in World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua King

Where does Joshua King currently play professional football?

Joshua King currently plays as a forward for Watford FC in the English Premier League and represents the Norway national team.

What is Joshua King's primary playing position?

He primarily plays as a forward, often deployed as a central striker or a wide attacker, utilizing his pace and strength.

Which notable clubs has Joshua King played for in England?

King has played for several significant English clubs, including a developmental and brief senior spell at Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, AFC Bournemouth (where he was a key Premier League player), Everton, and currently Watford.

When did Joshua King make his senior international debut for Norway?

Joshua King made his senior international debut for the Norway national team in 2012 against Iceland.

What is Joshua King's date of birth?

Joshua King was born on 15 January 1992.