Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor of talkSPORT has been left thrilled by a big update on Man City’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.
The Lowdown: City set to move…
The Sky Blues and sporting director Txiki Begiristain seem intent on finally signing a world class striker for Pep Guardiola this year according to reliable reports.
David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed last month that Haaland is City’s ‘top target’ this summer and meetings are ‘planned’ with the player’s entourage.
Indeed, Guardiola’s side are apparently set to ‘push hard’ for the striker but Real Madrid, as also widely reported elsewhere, are City’s main competitors.
However, in a recent update courtesy of Football Insider, Begiristain and co have apparently entered ‘pole position’ to sign Haaland given his father, Alf Inge, wants his son to put pen to paper at Eastlands.
The Latest: Agbonlahor thrilled…
Speaking to FI, Agbonlahor says the Norway star moving to Man City comes as a ‘frightening’ prospect.
“If they can sign Haaland, they’ll be the best team in Europe, for me,” he explained.
“He’s that good. For me, he would make any team unbelievably better.
“If I was Man City, with the funds that they have available, I would buy him just to stop other teams from getting him.
“If Man City want to win the Champions League and they don’t win it this season, you don’t want a Bayern Munich or Real Madrid to get Haaland because he’s the missing part of the jigsaw for those teams.
“Man City with Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish playing one-twos with Haaland, it would be frightening to watch.
“£68million is a bargain fee but the wages will be sky-high. You’ll get that all back on sponsorships, advertisements and shirt sales. For me, it’s a no brainer.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
Haaland’s possible addition will certainly be an interesting one.
Guardiola’s side, for the better part of two years, have operated mostly without a recognised striker since club legend Sergio Aguero started suffering with fitness issues.
City’s false nine system and usage of their star attacking midfielders, as an alternative to a forward, has resulted in great success on the field.
The Citizens have a 2021 Premier League trophy, 2021 Carabao Cup and 2021 Champions League final to show for their efforts in that time and also lead the English top flight currently.
However, adding Haaland would undoubtedly strengthen Guardiola’s options and ensure they maintain their place at the top.
His physical presence at 6 foot 4 and proven record in front of goal are arguably the only missing pieces of City’s jigsaw and Haaland’s signing could well propel them to yet another level.
In other news: Man City also in talks to sign £46.6m man for Pep! Find out more here.
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