Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hailed the 'super' signing of the 'phenomenal' Erling Haaland after bagging their priority target before the summer transfer window has opened.
Haaland was one of the most sought-after strikers in world football following his meteoric rise in the game, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs chasing his signature. City had to work hard, but eventually beat off all competition to agree a £51m deal for the 21-year-old that sees them belatedly get a replacement for Sergio Aguero.
The forward was in Manchester last week as the transfer moves towards completion, with an announcement expected in the near future. There has also been satisfaction from the club that Haaland chose City because of both their project and because of his connection with the club - his dad Alfie captained them a few decades ago - rather than the excuses that rivals have suggested.
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"We have in Haaland arguably the best Number 9 in the world, at the right age when you look at the next 10-15 years. In Haaland we have invested in that striker for the future.
"Haaland from his early days in Norway and moving on to Dortmund has been on our radar for four to five years., We have been following his progression and seeing his transition from very talented high quality high potential young player to one of the most if not the most exciting striker in the world.
"His performance at the highest level once he moved to Dortmund in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga, his goals to minutes ratios, is phenomenal. His ability to play on his right on his left to score goals with his head his speed his physicality. he is a very very unique striker that the whole world has been looking at.
"Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join and we're delighted that he chose to join Man City. It's a testament to the great work that has been happening in this club, a testament to the quality of this team and to Haaland not just being a great player but a smart player that saw the potential of what he can do and how he can develop further professionally.
"More importantly than all of that the fans, I think he has a connection to the fans. That combined all these elements together and Haaland made what is a very wise decision in choosing to come to Man City.
"For us, it's a super decision. We are getting truly a phenomenal player that will give us great memories for our fans going forward because he will fit very nicely with the squad.
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