Paddy Kenny has tipped Manchester City to make the smart choice by signing Erling Haaland next summer, stating they can afford him.
Erling Haaland was in talks with Chelsea in the summer with a potential move on the cards. Many believed the Blues, desperately searching for a striker, might nick the Norwegian by paying a premium price to Borussia Dortmund but a move never materialised.
Meanwhile, another Premier League giant who needed a striker, Manchester City, failed to sign their primary target Harry Kane. It’s unlikely they will go back for the Tottenham star, for whom they were prepared to pay around £130 million. With Haaland available for nearly half that price next year due to a release clause that will kick in, the smarter choice would be to sign the Norwegian.
Super agent Mino Raiola is looking for a financially viable club that could afford Haaland’s astronomical salary demands as well as his commissions. There are only a handful of clubs willing to do so, in addition to paying his release clause fixed at a reported £64 million figure.
Manchester City could be one of those few clubs able to afford such financial commitments. However, they will have intense competition from Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and possibly Chelsea.
Speaking to Football Insider, Paddy Kenny suggested Manchester City may have the financial capabilities to secure such a marquee signing. He also explained why Haaland might be the perfect choice to become Pep Guardiola’s no.9 for the long-term future.
Kenny said, “Listen, Tottenham were looking at £120-130million for Harry Kane, who’s a lot older than Haaland. To think you’re going to get someone of his quality and physique, look at him; he’s an absolute machine. He scores goals for fun.
“To get him for £64million is an absolute bargain. I’m sure City can get him; I’m sure wage-wise, they’ll pay him whatever he wants. It’ll be a massive signing because obviously, to me, they could do with a big number nine like Haaland.”
Haaland will be a massive signing for Man City if they can beat their competition. Chelsea might rue the situation as their own big-money signing Romelu Lukaku has been struggling lately to find a footing as a goal drought of sorts continues.
As for Haaland, he will certainly be a good signing and a very good upgrade over Harry Kane, who hasn’t had a bright start to the season with Tottenham. As things stand, Man City may not go back for the England captain and instead, like Kenny said, attempt to sign Haaland.