Erling Haaland close to completing Manchester City move from Borussia Dortmund
Erling Haaland is close to completing his move to Manchester City.
According to Sky Germany, the striker has informed Borussia Dortmund that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The release clause on his contract is €75 million.
Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano informed Dortmund boss Hans-Joachim Watzke last week that City are ready to activate the striker’s release clause.
The clause stipulates that Haaland’s transfer fee will have to be paid in one payment, unlike many of the other top transfers that happen in several instalments.
Some details are still to be finalised for the deal that is expected to be announced later this week.
Haaland has scored 85 goals in 88 matches for Dortmund since joining from RB Salzburg in January 2020. Dortmund’s last game of the season is on Saturday – at home to Hertha Berlin.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been leading the race to sign the 21-year-old and his release clause means Borussia Dortmund are resigned to losing the striker this summer. The 75m euro fee – which equates to £62m – for Haaland is widely considered to be below market value.
When asked about the club’s interest in the Norwegian last month, Guardiola responded: „[I have] no answer to your question.
„I have no concern or business in my head right now to think about what is going to happen in this club next season.“
City have often played without a recognised striker this season following the exit of club-record goalscorer Sergio Aguero at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Asked whether his side needs a number nine, Guardiola said: „We are playing with good strikers this season, so I don’t know what is going to happen in the future. It’s next season, so I’m not going to talk [about it].“
Sky Sports News have approached Man City for comment.
Analysis: City the perfect team for Haaland
Sky Sports Chief Reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
“Erling Haaland is in this curious situation where he has a release clause in his contract which is only 75m euros, which equates to £63m. This is an extremely low price for a player as good as Haaland and as young as he is – he is going to be 22 in July.
“£63m sounds like a bargain – but you must consider how much is it going to cost Man City. You must pay the £63m, you’re going to have to pay all the related agent fees and you must pay his wages.
“I think he is getting a five-year contract. He’s going to be paid between £400-500k a week, so you’re talking about an investment which is going to be around £200m. But you speak to anybody in the game, and they will say it is worth it because he is such a great striker.
“He is only 21 and he’s going to have resale value in five years’ time if, for example, he wants to move to Spain and play for Real Madrid, you’re going to get a big transfer fee for him because by then he will still be 26/27.
“I think City is the perfect fit for him. First of all, they’re one of the most successful clubs in the world and one of the richest clubs in the world. Every year at City, you are going to be challenging for honours and lifting trophies. He will also get to work with one of the best managers in the world, Pep Guardiola.
“The financial package is also very attractive – the wages on offer and the payments his representatives are going to get.
“Also, the fact that his father used to play for Manchester City and there are pictures of when Haaland was a little boy wearing the City shirt. That has helped City.
“I think what’s crucial is that you hear from players that it’s their dream to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona. If that’s the case – he’s still got the time to make that dream come true as he is only 21 years old.
“I’m not saying he’s using Manchester City as a stepping stone but a lot of the time when you speak to agents who have players that are 20 or 21, they will tell you that you have to always think one step ahead. But you don’t want to move to Real Madrid too early.“
Dortmund to replace Haaland with Adeyemi
Dortmund are set to sign Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi as Haaland’s replacement.
The 20-year-old has bagged 23 goals in 42 games this season whilst also adding eight assists.
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