Manchester City are reportedly expected to hold talks with Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland’s representatives in January ahead of a possible move next summer.
According to a report from The Times, Erling Haaland’s super-agent, Mino Raiola, is likely to begin discussions with Manchester City in January about a potential move for the 21-year-old Norwegian international next summer. Borussia Dortmund’s forward has a contract expiring in 2024; it also comes with a £64 million release clause that will be valid from next year.
Since joining Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg back in January 2020, Haaland has become one of the most lethal strikers in the world. A generational talent, the 21-year-old has rapidly established himself among the best players in the game right now and is expected to lead the line post-Ronaldo, Messi Era.
Haaland has been a phenomenon in front of goal bagging 68 goals in 67 appearances for Bundesliga giants Dortmund and has become a huge fan-favourite at Signal Iduna Park. The Dortmund hitman has started the current campaign in fine fashion, registering 11 goals and four assists in just eight appearances so far.
Given his unplayable nature and the prospect of acquiring one the highest-rated talents the game has ever seen, it hardly comes as a surprise that some of the top European elite’s have been on hot trails to secure the services of the Norwegian superstar.
Manchester City are also among the chasing pack for the Norwegian’s signature and have been keeping tabs on players’ progress for a while now. Pep Guardiola has been operating without a designated No. 9, and it’s believed that he understands it’s unsustainable in the longer term. That is why the manager has asked the City hierarchy to go all-out and make Haaland the club’s top transfer target next summer.
The Citizens haven’t replaced Sergio Aguero – who left the club on a free this summer – and are vying for a top-quality striker. The reigning English Champions were heavily linked with a move for England and Tottenham forward Harry Kane throughout the summer, but with the Lilywhites adamant about keeping hold of their star-man, a move never materialized.
Even though the Sky Blues haven’t ended their interest in the Englishman the down-trend in his recent performances, the massive price-tag and the player’s age can be the factors that can make the Citizens hesitate to go ahead with Kane as a primary target next year, especially when there is better alternatives available in the market in Erling Haaland.
It has also been reported that Haaland wants a switch to the Premier League in search of a fresh challenge and that City are the frontrunners in the battle to sign him, with their close ties to Puma helping their cause. The sportswear juggernauts could offer an attractive sponsorship package of £50 million over four years to help the Citizens lure Haaland to the Blue half of Manchester.
Apart from Man City, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the other potential suitors. With the competition heating up for the 21-year-old prolific striker, it remains to be seen where he ends up come next summer.
