‘A proud day’: Erling Haaland completes £51.5m Manchester City move
Haaland #Haaland
Erling Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City has been confirmed by the Premier League champions, with the striker describing it as “a proud day for me and my family” and saying he has joined the perfect club.
Haaland’s father, Alfie, played for City in the early 2000s and the 21-year-old has joined from Borussia Dortmund after his €60m (£51.5m) buyout clause was met. He will earn £375,000 a week, plus bonuses.
“I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons,” Haaland told the club’s website after signing a contract to 2027. “You can’t help but admire their style of play, it’s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me.
“There are so many world-class players in this squad and Pep [Guardiola] is one of the greatest managers of all-time, so I believe I am in the right place to fulfil my ambitions. I want to score goals, win trophies and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here.”
What does Erling Haaland’s signing mean for Manchester City? – video
Haaland scored 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund, after joining from Red Bull Salzburg. Two goals for Norway against Sweden in the Nations League on Sunday took his tally to 20 from 21 caps.
“I was born in England, I’ve been a City fan my whole life,” Haaland said. “I know a lot about the club. I feel a bit at home here.”
City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “Erling has everything we want in a striker, and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system. His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him, and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep.”
Shortly after the deal was announced, Haaland tweeted: “The wait is finally over!” The Norwegian will spearhead a retooled City forward line next season, with the River Plate forward Julian Álvarez joining the squad this summer after completing a £14m move in January.
The Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave the club this summer, while Raheem Sterling has attracted interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea.