Manchester City has reached an agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund and Norway striker Erling Haaland. The 21-year-old will join in July after City activated a 60m euro (£51.2m) release clause in his contract. The deal ends the club’s hunt for a successor to their all-time top scorer Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.
Manchester City Pays £51.2m Release Clause for Haaland
Manchester City released a statement saying: “We can confirm that we have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland.” The statement also said: “The transfer remains subject to the club finalizing terms with the player.” Haaland, who passed his City medical in Belgium on Monday, has scored 85 goals in 88 appearances for Dortmund since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona we’re also interested in the player but he opted for a move to Etihad Stadium. Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he could not discuss the incoming signing for legal reasons. The manager said: “Everybody knows the situation. I shouldn’t talk because I don’t like to talk about the future or next season.”
When asked what impact a new number nine would have on the Premier League champions, he said: “New players always help to be a stronger team. But not one defender or striker will solve our defensive or scoring problems.” “The club always has to have a vision for the future. The decisions the club makes I am aware and supportive of 100%.”
The transfer would be one of the biggest of the summer. The player’s agent Mino Raiola had been involved in the discussion before his death, with associates taking the process on to its conclusion.
