Manchester City cop another body blow in Erling Haaland transfer race
Manchester City are in the race to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund next summer but will be competing with other European heavyweights in Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Dortmund themselves.
Haaland’s €75 million release clause will be active next term and the Cityzens are tipped to sign the Dortmund striker as the perfect replacement for former club legend and striker, Sergio Aguero.
Related Story. Manchester City told they were right about the Harry Kane deal. light
Until the start of this month, the reigning Premier League champions were tipped to be the favorites to sign the 21-year-old but with Mino Raiola’s meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta in Turin, playing right into the Blaugrana’s hands, things have got a little dicey and it will not be a straightforward chase for Haaland, for the Sky Blues.
Barcelona have made some massive leaps to gain a commanding position to sign the striker and the club is optimistic that they will be in a financial situation to be able to do so, next term. However, that’s not it.
Recently, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed that Real Madrid are indeed interested in signing the Norwegian striker. With the Los Blancos best positioned to sign both, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, the Whites have emerged as the new favorites to sign Haaland, ahead of Manchester City and Barcelona.
"Speaking about Haaland, Hans-Joachim Watzke said:“It doesn’t matter where you go, everyone talks about Erling Haaland.”“The only thing I know is that Real Madrid are very interested in his signing.“I could name you other 25 teams, but I know for a fact that Madrid are interested.”Source: BILD"
With FIFA also set to impose a 10% commission rule when it comes to the agent fee from next term, it could all boil down to who offers the best economic and sporting project to the 21-year-old. In that aspect as well, Barcelona and Real Madrid are slightly ahead in the race with Haaland facing the possibility of becoming the main-man if he chooses to go to Barca or establish a dominant partnership with Kylian Mbappe.
Related Story. Manchester City tipped to plot a sensational £45 million bid for Serie A star this winter. light
Playing for City though and spearheading their attacking line is a lucrative prospect in itself. Having said that, City have also been tipped to go for either Harry Kane or Dusan Vlahovic this winter and if they do succeed in their pursuit of signing a top striker this winter, Haaland will not be on their radar anymore.