According to reports, Manchester City has received a massive blow in pursuit of Erling Haaland, which could well and truly turn out to be the final nail in the coffin for the Skyblues. Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the front runners with Norwegian aspiring to play in La-Liga Santander ahead of Premier League. This comes as per Spanish outlet Marca.
Haaland, 21, has been sensational in his stint with Borussia Dortmund since 2020 scoring a staggering 76 goals and 14 assists from 75 appearances. The Norwegian’s release clause of €75 million, commencing on June 30, is going to provoke a bidding war amongst all the Elite European Clubs. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are the clubs from England said to be interested in signing the 21-year-old.
When enquired about Haaland’s future in a recent interview with Sky Sport Italia’s transfer expert, Gian Luca Di Marzio, he said
"“He (Haaland) doesn’t like the Premier League much. It’s not exactly his dream.”“La-Liga Santander is seen as the perfect environment for him to play in.”“Even if they sign (Kylian) Mbappe, Real Madrid would be an option.”Source: Marca."
This does make more sense with Barcelona being considered one of the favorites to sign the Bundesliga sensation. With Haaland aiming for a potential Spanish switch, it remains to be seen if it is either Barca or Madrid for the Borussia Dortmund striker.
Barcelona President, Joan Laporta’s camaraderie with Mino Raiola justifies why the Blaugrana could potentially sign Haaland in the summer. The Norwegian’s demand of leading an attack while being the main protagonist of the project could well be fulfilled at Camp Nou.
Manchester City though aren’t relying on Haaland only, to fill their number nine void. They are in contact with several renowned strikers with the likes of Mikel Oyarzabal, Dusan Vlahovic, and Darwin Nunez shortlisted.
Having said that, the defending champions are not out of the race just yet, as the BVB Dortmund striker hasn’t yet made a statement regarding his future.
Nevertheless, both the Spanish giants are in pole position to get the prized signature of the Norwegian goal machine displacing the Manchester-based clubs out of the race.
So, Where do Manchester City find themselves on the priority list of Erling Haaland?
Let us know.