Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been linked with Erling Haaland. But as Sports Illustrated reports, the Norway international has made up his mind to try his luck at Manchester City. Rumour has it that the Premier League winners have agreed to a £100 million contract agreement to secure Haaland’s services ahead of the 2022-23 season. However, the main question is whether Pep Guardiola will approve this move.
City officials are already preparing the transfer but Haaland’s father wants something else
In order to secure one of the summer’s biggest transfers, City have already created the framework of a contract that will make Haaland one of the top earners in the Premier League. However, Erling Haaland is yet to make a definite choice on his future, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United among the clubs interested in one of two major transfers that will impact the upcoming transfer window. The other is Kylian Mbappe, a free agent who is on Real Madrid’s radar.
Borussia Dortmund hope to persuade their Norwegian sensation to stay with them for another season. However, Haaland’s father, former Man City player Alf Inge, wants his son at the Etihad.
Read more: Manchester City Summer Transfer Window for 2022
Madrid Are City’s main competitor in terms of signing Erling Haaland
Barcelona have been going through financial woes over the last two years. As a result, the English champions expect Madrid as their key contender as far as signing Haaland is concerned. PSG are also intrigued as they prepare for life without Kylian Mbappe, but Haaland prefers a move to the Premier League or Spain.
It is almost certain that Haaland is set to leave this summer, taking advantage of a £64 million release clause in his contract. City have an advantage over its opponents because Haaland has reportedly spoken to his close friends that he desires to play under Guardiola.
Will Guardiola be comfortable with a star striker in his team?
Pep Guardiola reiterated over the weekend that City must spend money on a proven centre forward sooner or later. However, it is already a fact that the Sky Blues have done spectacularly well without one so far this season.
It is no secret that the manager has had issues with high-profile forwards during his career. Over the years, he fell out with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona and there was tension with Sergio Aguero at City. The Spaniard has also made his love of midfielders clear, and pioneered the modern use of the false nine.
He prefers possession football. Scoring goals has always been and continues to be the simplest way to win football games. Even the biggest skeptic would agree that Haaland can score on big nights. And the 51-year old manager needs a player of Erling’s class if he wants to bring the Champions League trophy to the Etihad.
City have, of course, had success without a well-known striker. However, their response to last season was to try to recruit a marquee forward, and they have done the same this season. And, right now, Haaland is the biggest signing opportunity they have. And the Citizens can’t miss out on this chance.
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