Manchester City did not have the best of summer windows, despite them signing Jack Grealish. The Cityzens smashed the British transfer record when they met the £100 million release clause set by Aston Villa to part ways with Jack Grealish.
City, however, wanted Harry Kane as well. The English striker would have been a perfect fit at Manchester City, who had then recently parted ways with club legend and record goal-scorer, Sergio Aguero. Having said that, Tottenham Hotspurs were reluctant to part ways with their skipper and their firm stance saw two massive City bids for the 28-year-old being shot down.
While City’s pursuit of Harry Kane has certainly hit a dead-end, the Sky Blues are now focusing on bringing the rising star in Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Haaland, 21, has established himself as one of the best marksmen in European football currently, though there is still a long way to go for him.
It, however, does not take away the fact that Haaland is one of the hottest prospects in world football, and with his release clause worth €75 million becoming active in the next summer, City would try to fancy their chances.
It is not going to be easy though as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are also said to be in the race to sign the Norwegian striker. It is unlikely that Bayern Munich would succeed in landing Haaland as the Bavarians are against the idea of paying Haaland’s super-agent, Mino Raiola the massive commission that he is said to be asking. Coming to Barcelona, the former La Liga champions have their hands full with a delicate financial situation and it would be near impossible for them to shell out close to €120 million to finance the entire operation.
Real Madrid though, are said to be one of the favorites to sign Haaland as the Los Blancos are said to have enough in the tank, to go after both Haaland and Mbappe. Moreover, Kylian Mbappe is like to join Madrid as a free agent next summer which makes things all the more interesting.
A recent report from Calciomercato understands that City are likely to face some stiff competition from Madrid to sign Haaland but the Cityzens are said to be marginally ahead in the race, as they are said to have good relations with Haaland’s father and former City player, Alf Inge.
City will be hoping that Inge’s history of having been part of City works in their favor as signing Haaland could be the start of a new era for Manchester City.
Where do you think Haaland will play the 2022/23 season?