On Tuesday, Manchester City announced that they have activated the clause in the contract of Dortmund starlet Erling Haaland, which stands at a reported £51.2m.
The deal is subject to the 21-year-old agreeing to personal terms, but that is unlikely to be a problem, as most feel that the deal is a bargain for the Citizens.
Manchester City can confirm that we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the Club on 1st July 2022. The transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player.— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 10, 2022
Manchester City can confirm that we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the Club on 1st July 2022. The transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player.
Erling Haaland has been a goal machine for Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg before his switch to BVB. The Norwegian international striker has scored 85 goals in 88 appearances since joining the German side from Salzburg in the 2020 January transfer window.
Haaland has also impressed in the Champions League in recent seasons, as he became the youngest player to ever reach 20 Champions League goals.
His scoring form has caught the eye of most of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all formerly believed to have shown an interest in signing the forward.
However, City seems like lo logical next step for Haaland. His father Alfie Inge Haaland previously played for the Citizens during his playing career and they are the next level of club after Dortmund following a very steady rise up the ranks of the European game.
Some have claimed that Haaland will not fit into Pep Guardiola’s style of play. That claim may be negated by the fact that even at 21, Haaland has all the attributes to become the complete forward.
He is not a player who is scared to get involved with the game and isn’t just a goalscorer. He brings more to a team than just goals and has shown in recent seasons that he has a mature head on those broad shoulders.
Despite what seems like a successful campaign for City in the Premier League, they have still missed out on winning the Champions League. Maybe the signing of one of the most prolific forwards in the world game will be the catalyst for European glory for the Citizens next season.