Yesterday it got official. That Erling Haaland is joining Manchester City. Signing a 5 year contract that runs till 2027. The Norwegian joined from Dortmund who are known for grooming raw talents and selling them on a high. No exceptions here. As only 62 minutes after Haaland was unveiled by Manchester City, Borrusia Dortmund unveiled Karim Adeyemi. Adeyemi is supposed to be the next in line after Haaland. Last season many clubs wanted to buy him but couldn't. Because of a hefty asking price set by Dortmund. This year now that Haaland's release clause is active, the price comes down significantly. Still literally only two clubs showed interest in Haaland. Strange as it is. The whole transfer is full of question marks. Today we discuss on who actually won in this transfer. Is it everyone or nobody or someone particular.
Haaland leaving the club looked almost inevitable. From the last summer transfer window in fact. The question was where will be move to. Barcelona made some hefty claims which they obviously couldn't honor because we all know they don't got any money now. Very less if any. Real Madrid were also in the race but their priority was Kylian Mbappe. As the Frenchman is more versatile and proven in the big stage. Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola was claiming at the press conference that City also don't have the funds to finance a big money move of any sort. Days before City confirmed Jack Grealish for 100 million pounds. Chelsea also offered 120 million euros last summer but neither did Dortmund agree, nor Chelsea pushed further. Because of one man. Mino Raiola. Negotiating with Raiola was hard always. As he doesn't let go of a single penny. So his death a few days ago fast paced the transfer as there was no penny pinching meeting.
All that's done. Now does Haaland fit in the Manchester City team? It might look like a no brainer but let's face it. Haaland and Manchester City are from two different playing styles. Haaland is a more counter attack oriented player. While Manchester City passes the ball till heaven. Haaland is used to run at defenses with the ball. But he has to pass it here. He isn't used to it. In the premier league he'll get less space to work with, the intensity is very high. That's something to look out for. Haaland has been the focal point of attack. Here along with being the focal point he has make play too, at different times. He has to come deep, hold the ball, distribute. Make runs through tight spaces and finish the way lesser amount of chances he'll get more efficiently. So that is something to look out for. We hope he succeeds.
Haaland has put a release clause in his contract. Which indicates he wants to move soon. His target is Real Madrid, widely believed. He will play here for maybe 3 years then after Benzema retires, Real triggers his release clause. Sounds like a plan for Haaland. But does City lose? No, because they will groom Julian Alvarez while Haaland is here. The argentinian will take point in the above stated event. Everyone seems to have planned everything. Looks like everybody wins in this coveted transfer.