Manchester City down but NOT OUT of Erling Haaland race

Manchester City have regained their footing in the race for Erling Haaland with FIFA coming to the rescue, amidst speculations that the Norwegian’s prized signature was beyond City especially with the old school rivalry between Mino Raiola and Pep Guardiola.

Erling Haaland, 21, has been absolutely sensational with Borussia Dortmund, finding back of the net on 76 occasions and assisting 20 times in 74 games for the Bundesliga outfit. With his release clause of €75 million set to commence from the 2022 summer window, anticipate nothing but a bidding war among all the elite European clubs.

The transfer fee was never an issue for the Skyblues, but the gigantic sum of €30M charged by Haaland’s super-agent Mino Raiola is too much an ask for Guardiola who is unlikely to compromise the Club’s wage structure for the purpose of a single player.

Having said that, a new rule by FIFA could just put back the defending champions into pole position of landing the Norwegian goal machine.

"From next season football’s international governing body will impose a 10 percent cap on agents’ fees for transfers, meaning that a high fee for Raiola may be avoided hanging when Haaland decides to move from Dortmund."

Source: MEN.

Manchester City, though, have been ruthless going about their business this season. Playing without the likes of a proper number nine in their ranks, not many expected Guardiola to succeed with his already-used ‘false 9’ tactic, but with as many as 14 players on the scoresheet this season, City have defied all odds.

The reigning champions are currently placed on the top of the table with 41 points on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run into this weekend, where they face the magpies at the St. James Park. Liverpool and European Champions Chelsea are the only sides in contention for the title with 40 and 37 points respectively.

The Cityzens have been linked with Haaland are said to be one of the favorites to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker. However, it is expected to go down the wire with Elite Clubs like Bayern Munchen, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United also said to be in the race to sign the 21-year-old.

It is speculated that Erling Haaland would prefer a move to Barcelona, to be in the same league with his rival and contemporary, Kylian Mbappe who is tipped to be a part of Real Madrid for the next season.

Do you think Manchester City will be able to land Haaland for the next term?

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