The most anticipated transfer of the summer has been finalized as Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Erling Haaland.
The 21-year-old Norwegian, who has been one of the world’s best strikers since his breakout season as a 17-year-old in the U-19 World Cup, where he scored nine goals for Norway against Honduras. The Austrian Bundesliga was also lit up with his talent while playing for Red Bull Salzburg.
He has finally made the jump to the brightest of all stages with one of the world’s best clubs and managers to guide him into the next phase of his career.
A host of the top clubs in Europe tried to sign him before he moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, but for his development, his then-agent, Late Mino Raiola and his father, former Man City defender Alf-Inge Haaland, pushed him to Dortmund, a team known for development of youngsters.
Haaland did not disappoint, registering 85 goals in 88 appearances for BVB. After two and a half seasons, he has officially moved on, signing with Man City for £51 million, which is the release clause attached to his Dortmund contract that was to run out in 2023.
City announced the signing of Haaland in a statement via their official website and Twitter, which reads: “Manchester City can confirm we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the Club on 1st July 2022.
“The transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player.”
Man City armed with two strikers ahead of 2022/23 season
Fans have reacted in several ways to the signing of the striker, who they believe will take Guardiola’s team from 100 to 1000 in the coming season.
City, however, have now signed two out and out number 9s after one and a half seasons without one. Sergio Aguero was barely fit in his farewell season at the club and his backup, Gabriel Jesus was preferred on the wings or as a false nine. This season, it has been more of the same, with Jesus operating more from wide areas and in false nine roles.
Guardiola had tried to sign Harry Kane last season but were met with stiff opposition from Tottenham Hotspur despite the player’s willingness to leave.
Julian Alvarez was signed in the winter transfer window but was loaned back to River Plate, the club he was bought from. He will join Haaland at the Etihad in the summer as Guardiola prepares to run riot in England once more.
Haaland signs for City till 2027 on a £400,000-a-week salary, the highest earner at the club alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
