Manchester United are reportedly set to vie with Manchester City in the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Erling Haaland is set to be the subject of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Manchester City in next summer’s transfer window. Borussia Dortmund could end up cashing in on the Norwegian striker before his release clause comes into effect in 2022.
Haaland has set the stage alight since initially coming under the spotlight last season, while still with Red Bull Salzburg. Since joining Borussia Dortmund in January this year, the youngster’s stock has only continued to rise further, with the player going from strength to strength this past year.
In just 32 games for the Black and Yellows, the 20-year-old has a brilliant return of 33 goals and 6 assists to show for his efforts. His continued progress has kept him on the radars of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Manchester United and Manchester City among those keeping an eye on him.
Manchester United do not have a real need of a striker as things stand, with Anthony Martial being the first-choice striker under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Edinson Cavani, Odion Ighalo and Mason Greenwood are backup options for the position. However, while Cavani is a short-term solution, Ighalo is set to leave the club in January.
So, if Martial’s inconsistencies prevail, it would not be surprising to see Manchester United enter the market for a striker once again, making Haaland a viable target. As for Manchester City, their possible pursuit of a striker is more understandable considering the fact that Sergio Aguero is approaching the last stage of his storied career.
So, Manchester City do need to plan for life after the veteran Argentine, especially with Gabriel Jesus blowing hot and cold. As a result, it has been reported that Pep Guardiola sees Haaland as the long-term successor to Aguero.
Both the Premier League giants could receive a boost in pursuit of Haaland as well, with Borussia Dortmund pondering a possible sale to secure his true valuation before his €75 million release clause comes into effect in 2022. In addition to Manchester United and Manchester City, Real Madrid are also keeping a keen eye on the developments, while Barcelona have been linked as well.
Meanwhile, a potential stumbling block for both Manchester United and Manchester City could be the fact that they have endured strained relationships with Mino Raiola, Haaland’s agent, recently. Having said that, it makes for an interesting transfer saga if Dortmund do look to cash in on the 20-year-old next summer, with a bevy of clubs closely following the updates.
