Erling Haaland transfer has Kevin de Bruyne salivating as Man City warning is issued
Kevin de Bruyne reckons Manchester City can only improve further after the Erling Haaland transfer, with the playmaker sending a warning to the rest of their Premier League rivals.
The Norwegian striker has been one of world football’s most sought-after stars in recent years amid an astonishing record at Borussia Dortmund. Indeed, Leeds-born Haaland netted 86 goals in 89 games during a highly-productive spell in the Bundesliga. That led to interest from some of European football’s top sides, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich among those keen.
However, it is City who have won the race, agreeing to meet his £51m exit clause and gigantic financial package. And as part of the deal, it seems City too have also agreed to a future exit clause that can be triggered by another big side in the future.
All that won’t worry City, however, for now. They are still celebrating their fourth Premier League title in the last five seasons. Their latest triumph came in dramatic circumstances, City coming from 2-0 down to Aston Villa on the final day. That 3-2 win saw them pip Liverpool by a point in a dramatic conclusion.
Manchester City will once again start the new season as title favourites. And the capture of Haaland is sure to make them even stronger.
People have questioned though how he will be intergrated into their side.
That’s not a concern though for De Bruyne who reckons his signing can only help the Citzyens improve.
“Erling Haaland is a top striker. His move should help us to grow as a team. Everybody expects a lot,” he told Belgian outlet HLN.
“We’ve always been looking for a number nine, but I think it’ll be good to have that striker that maybe scores 20-25 goals a season.”
De Bruyne added: “Maybe (Haaland’s arrival might help me too). There have been years that I have more assists (than this season). But my chance creation and other things have remained consistent. Numbers are a part of football but they never tell you the full story.”
City chairman also welcomes Erling Haaland transfer
The Erling Haaland transfer also has City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak excited.
He clearly can’t wait to see the Norwegian in action as he told the club’s official website: “He is a very, very unique, incredibly talented striker that I think the whole world has been looking at.
“I would say every big team in the world wanted [him] to join and we’re absolutely delighted that Haaland chose to join Manchester City. I think it’s a testament to all the great work that’s been happening at this club.”
City are also set to welcome another striker in the form of Julian Alvarez. His signing gives City another strong option in front of goal; an area they have arguably lacked in recent years.
Indeed, it will be interesting to see how City manage to accommodate their new arrivals in their side. Having played so long without a recognised striker, it’s easy to see why many suggest the arrival of Haaland might lead to a change in style.
Haaland deal will cost Man City £300m with wages and fees
Erling Haaland will cost Manchester City €300m if they want to sign him from Borussia Dortmund this summer with Mino Raiola taking a £37m cut.
But if Pep Guardiola can get the formula right, then Haaland could continue his incredible scoring bonanza in the Premier League.
Furthermore, who would bet against De Bruyne becoming the Premier League’s top goal creator next season.
Either way, it makes for very worrying viewing for not just the rest of the league, but also for European football as a whole.
Meanwhile, City continue to be linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips, though complications over his future continue to emerge.
