Elias Hoff Melkersen (born 31 December 2002) is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays for Strømsgodset as a forward.
Club career Early career Melkersen played in his native Norway with Bodø/Glimt, Hødd and Ranheim.
Hibernian Melkersen signed for Scottish club Hibernian in January 2022. His transfer was delayed due to work permit issues.
Melkersen and Norwegian compatriot Runar Hauge made their Hibernian debuts on 2 March 2022, both appearing as substitutes. Following the match, and a later injury to Kevin Nisbet, Hibernian manager Shaun Maloney praised Melkersen's hard work and told him to 'step up' to first-team football. On 13 March 2022, Melkersen scored a brace in his first start for Hibernian, both proving decisive in the club's 2–1 win in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals against Motherwell.
Melkersen moved on loan to Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam in January 2023. He returned to Hibs at the end of the 2022–23 season, and made a few appearances early in the 2023–24 season before moving on loan to Strømsgodset.
Stromsgodset The loan at Strømsgodset was successful, as Melkersen scored four goals and their manager Jørgen Isnes said he wished to sign the player permanently. A deal was agreed in December 2023, with the Norwegian club paying £1.2 million for the transfer. Melkersen signed a five-year contract with Strømsgodset.
International career Melkersen is a Norwegian youth international, representing them at under-17, under-18, under-20 and under-21 levels. He made his debut at under-21 level in a goalless draw with Scotland in June 2023.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBodø/Glimt 220184. divisjon11———1120193. divisjon134———134Total145———145Bodø/Glimt2019Eliteserien0010——1020200000——00Total0010——10Hødd (loan)20202. divisjon7400——74Ranheim (loan)20211. divisjon261732——2919Hibernian2021–22Scottish Premiership1002200001222022–23Scottish Premiership1300041001712023–24Scottish Premiership1000002030Total240224120323Sparta Rotterdam (loan)2022–23Eredivisie2000——20Strømsgodset (loan)2023Eliteserien12400——124Strømsgodset202430631——33720258021——10120261. divisjon19613——209Total69166500007521Career total13842129412015652
Honours Individual Norwegian First Division Young Player of the Month: July 2021, October 2021
References