MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City appear frontrunners to secure Erling Haaland’s signature after Borussia Dortmund adviser Matthias Sammer inadvertently hinted at a move for the striker.
Haaland has taken the Bundesliga by storm since he arrived from Salzburg in January 2020, scoring 80 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions.
That has made him one of the most sought-after talents in European football, with a host of elite clubs circling for when his reported €75million release clause kicks in at the end of this season.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were reportedly among the favourites to secure the Norwegian’s services, with Blaugrana boss Xavi said to have met with the 21-year-old in Munich.
But Pep Guardiola’s City, who Haaland’s father Alf-Inge played for between 2000 and 2003, have now emerged as the leading candidates, with Sammer acknowledging the dangerous partnership the Spanish boss and talisman could form at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Sammer was asked how Haaland could work with Guardiola, to which he replied: “They will both benefit from each other. Because Pep, of course – I was able to experience him for three years – has a certain idea.
“I can also imagine dealing with a centre-forward, no question. But he will also have to learn from the centre-forward.”
When pressed if his answer meant a deal was already done, Sammer retreated and suggested he had no idea. However, he did offer an insight into the possible figures involved in talks for Haaland.
“I didn’t hear anything today, yesterday, the day before yesterday,” he said. “I know City is after him. The numbers – I had whiplash! I passed out. My wife picked me up again. Accordingly, it is possible.”
City missed out on their key striker target Harry Kane from Tottenham before the start of the 2021-22 campaign, and will be keen to ensure they make no similar mistake on this occasion.
