Manchester City planning to hijack Real Madrid’s move for Erling Haaland
According to The Athletic, Manchester City are plotting a way to stop Real Madrid from signing Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland in the summer.
Erling Haaland, 21, is already a major target for some of Europe’s elite clubs, with the striker set to have a £68m release clause activated in June. Despite suffering injury problems this season, he has already breached the 20-goal barrier across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund, replicating the last campaign’s form that made him one of Bundesliga’s top scorers.
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The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are leading the race for Haaland’s signature, as the Spanish heavyweights hope to pair the Norwegian up with Kylian Mbappe to form a devastating strike partnership for years to come.
However, Manchester City are set to try and convince the 21-year-old for a move to the Etihad Stadium. The report adds the Sky Blues will do everything to their powers to lure Haaland away from Borussia Dortmund, even though they are mindful the young striker wants to move to Real Madrid.
The Cityzens confirmed the signing of Julian Alvarez from River Plate earlier this week, with the Mancunian club further adding to their existing pool of talented youngsters. Alvarez, who recently turned 22, is highly rated in South America and has been turning heads upside down with his performances at River Plate since the start of the last campaign.
Aware of huge interest from some of Europe’s bigwigs, Manchester City acted swiftly to win the young Argentinean’s signature. However, the signing of Alvarez hasn’t stopped Pep Guardiola from pursuing an out-and-out striker, with City still keen on Haaland.
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Haaland is a generational talent and can end the Sky Blues’ search for a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero. The Norwegian has plundered goals at a staggering rate in Germany and this season appears likely to be his last in Dortmund colours.
With Real Madrid in the driver’s seat for the Norwegian’s signature, it is up to City and Guardiola to change the striker’s mind at the end of the season.