Pep Guardiola’s side, which got to see Haaland at close quarters during Tuesday’s first Champions League quarter-final first match against Dortmund, are among the clutch of elite clubs believed to be considering a move for the 20-year-old.
Erling has everything that Alf-Inge didn’t have
Erling Haaland’s growing talent was highlighted by two former Manchester City players as the Norwegian continues to be linked with a blockbuster summer move to the Premier League. Paul Dickov and Andy Morrison joked that the Borussia Dortmund striker has all the attributes his father – former Man City team-mate Alf-Inge – although they believe that the professional attitude and mentality of the former midfielder shines through in his son. Pep Guardiola’s side, which got to see Haaland at close quarters during Tuesday’s first Champions League quarter-final first match against Dortmund, are among the clutch of elite clubs believed to be considering a move for the 20-year-old. Speaking to City’s official website about Haaland’s performance at the Etihad in the middle of the week and his memories of former team-mate Alf-Inge, Dickov joked: “Erling has everything that his father did not have, he is a goalscorer, right foot, left foot, fast, pretty.”
Haaland’s father was a very private person
On a more serious note, the former Scotland striker added: “Alf-Inge came in and did an excellent job for us. He was a midfielder who loved to get called in, chip in with the odd goal and was just a good character. He may not have been the best technically, but he made up for that in his desire to help with the games.” Former City captain Morrison said: “Alf-Inge was a very private person, very professional and meticulous in the way he carried himself. I am sure these qualities will take root in his son, too; he was a super athlete who could get around the pitch and had a powerful mentality from a solid upbringing. Alf-Inge was great, he was a good guy, and he was also strong in the dressing room.”
BVB currently has no plans to sell Haaland this summer and view him as central to their future under new head coach Marco Rose. However, failure to qualify for the Champions League could force their hand. While agent Mino Raiola’s public tour of Europe to negotiate with several clubs has fueled transfer proposals that could go ahead this summer. Haaland has apparent ties to Manchester City through his father. Although it is believed that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are eager to sign him. Any deal, albeit very costly, remains to be seen if any club is willing to sanction such a huge deal, given that football’s finances are still shaking with the coronavirus pandemic. The €75 million release clause also kicks in next year, which means a transfer in 2022 may be more likely.