Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch admitted he harbours some tactical concerns over Erling Haaland's proposed switch to Manchester City in the coming transfer window.
Haaland has been touted with a move away from current outfit Borussia Dortmund for quite some time, with a lengthy list of potential suitors including just about every major club on the continent. After a lengthy saga, City - the former club of the striker's father Alf-Inge, appear to have wrapped up a deal for the Norwegian superstar.
Confirmation of the move could come as early as this week as City lay down a marker to the likes of Liverpool and co. that they will be even stronger come next season armed with Haaland in their front-line. Personal terms between the player and City were agreed last month.
Relations between the two clubs are still solid after initial contact and those at the top of the Dortmund hierarchy expect to be informed of City's intention to activate Haaland's release clause very soon. Barring any late obstacles, it is widely expected that the 21-year-old will be plying his trade at the Etihad from next season onwards.
While news of the imminent deal is likely to have sparked huge excitement among the City faithful, not everyone is certain the move will bring instant success. One man that knows all about Haaland is Leeds manager Marsch from their shared time at RB Salzburg.
Pressed for comment on what he thinks of the move, the American coach said: "I wish he was coming back home here to Leeds - this is his birthplace - but I understand the decision for him to go to Man City. It will be interesting."
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Marsch went on to make an interesting point about a potential contrast in playing style when it comes to the set-up that gets the best out of Haaland. City boss Pep Guardiola is famed for his possession-focused approach, while the Norway star's rapid turn of pace and physical attributes make him a nightmare for opposition defenders on the counter attack.
The Leeds manager said as much when he claimed: "He is an explosive player in transition and Man City often plays a lot in possession." City have at times played without a recognised striker throughout this campaign and still find themselves three points clear at the top with three games left.
In a season that had been at times marred by injury for the young forward, Haaland still managed to end the Bundesliga campaign with a stunning return of 21 goals in 23 games.
