Record €5 Million Transfer Pays Off Instantly: Norwegian Scores on Sparta Debut

Norwegian striker Jonatan Braut Brunes, whom Sparta Prague signed from Poland's Raków Częstochowa for a club-record €5 million, scored on his very first appearance for the club — in a Czech league clash against Zlín played at the Letná stadium.

The 25-year-old forward spent 73 minutes on the pitch, not only finding the net but also winning a penalty — though Sparta captain Lukáš Haraslín failed to convert it. When Zlín, the league's underdogs, unexpectedly equalised in the second half, it was Brunes who restored his side's lead, a result the hosts held onto comfortably until the final whistle.

"Three points are what matter most. Of course, it's nice to score on your debut too — it's a great feeling I'll remember for a long time," the Norwegian said after the match.

Zlín's manager, Bronislav Červenka, gave a sporting assessment of the newcomer: "We knew he was a tall, strong player. He's a penalty-box striker, but he can also run in behind defenders. On Sparta's second goal, he showed excellent instincts in the box and pulled away from our defenders brilliantly. Our goalkeeper had no chance. Sparta have found themselves an interesting player who will help them."

Sparta head coach Brian Priske was pleased with his first impression: "I really liked what I saw from him. It's always good when a striker converts his chance. He was dangerous, worked well in the box and in the game overall. He left a positive first impression. Right after he joined, I told Jonatan to be ready — that he'd be playing on Friday."

Brunes himself was self-critical, admitting he isn't yet at his best: "I still need to improve. Over the summer I only played two or three friendlies and couldn't train the way I wanted, because my transfer was being sorted out." According to him, Sparta fans can expect plenty more highlights to come.

A curious moment followed shortly after: soon after Brunes' goal, Sparta won a second penalty of the match, but this time it was Adam Karabec — the player fouled — who grabbed the ball and scored himself. "I've seen in training that Kára has a great left foot. I'm not one to take penalties away from teammates. I still have a few things to prove before I move up the pecking order at the club," the Norwegian explained.

According to data from the Opty agency, Brunes had two clear-cut chances, completed 10 of his 16 passes, touched the ball 24 times in total, and won three of his six duels — a sign that the player is still adjusting to the tougher, more physical style of Czech football. "It's similar to Poland — that league is also tough and physical," the striker noted.

Inevitably, there was also a question about his famous cousin — Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. "I don't want to give you headlines, but he's already texted me. That's all you're getting from me," Brunes replied with a smile.

Judging by his debut, Czech headlines are likely to feature this Norwegian again and again — provided he keeps scoring at this rate.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz