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| 07 May 2022, Bavaria, Fürth: Soccer: Bundesliga, SpVgg Greuther Fürth - Borussia Dortmund, Matchday 33, at Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer. Dortmund's Erling Haaland. |
Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of confirming the deal to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland this week.
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Erling Haaland and a move to the Etihad Stadium could be imminent. The Premier League champions are ready to trigger the striker’s reported €75 million release clause, and the deal could be officiated this week.
The potential capture of Haaland ahead of Real Madrid and other suitors could serve as a massive boost for a Manchester City side in the same week they were boosted by Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur. Emerging as the undisputed favourites to seal the Premier League title, it appears Pep Guardiola will also be boosted by the arrival of one of the most gifted strikers in world football this summer.
Although the exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid has left Manchester City hugely disappointed, they believe Haaland could be the final piece of the jigsaw, especially given how the Premier League giants have lacked the services of a recognised striker throughout the season.
The addition of Haaland could help Manchester City solve the issue, with the youngster set to serve as a direct replacement for Sergio Aguero. The Norwegian goal machine has a blistering record in the Bundesliga and along with Kylian Mbappe, he is regarded as one of the two best young players in the world.
The Borussia Dortmund superstar has indeed registered unbelievable numbers in Germany, scoring 85 goals in 88 competitive matches. He would have scored more than a goal per game had it not been for a goal drought shortly after his return to full fitness earlier this year.
Haaland will be hoping to replicate such numbers in the Premier League. In Guardiola, he will have a coach more than capable of extracting his physical and aerial qualities, as well as his blistering pace. The leadership of the Manchester City boss could further enhance his positional sense and link-up play in the final third, thus taking his game to the next level.
Other than Manchester City, Real Madrid were closely linked with a move for Erling Haaland. But the hefty agent commissions associated with the deal to sign the Norwegian international have put off Los Blancos who are set to prioritise a move for Kylian Mbappe in the coming summer.
