Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola refused to be drawn on questions about Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland. Various reports claim the reigning Premier League champions are the firm favourites to sign the imperious Norwegian who has contributed a sensational 23 goals and six assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.
City’s pursuit of a new striker is well documented, after they saw a number of transfer offers for Harry Kane rebuffed by Tottenham Hotspur last summer. While their position at the top of the Premier League and their continued presence in the FA Cup and the Champions League suggests they have managed to make do without a traditional centre forward, City are still expected to make a move for a striker in the summer.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for Haaland, who will be available for around £64million, courtesy of a buy-out clause in his contract at Dortmund. But Guardiola refused to give credence to any questions suggesting they are in pole position to sign Haaland.
“Since I'm here, every month we are going to sign 50 players. Right now, it's impossible I'm going to talk about some guys who aren't here, Haaland is a Dortmund player,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. “You can ask for this player or another one. The transfer window is going to start and many things will happen.
“Maybe I speak about this club needs a striker for the next 5, 6, 7 years maybe once in 12 months. I'm not going to be the guy with the success because we didn't have a striker.”
While Haaland’s buy-out clause appears to be a bargain on paper, Bild claims the fee could rise to £71m. Moreover, the German outlet also reports the Norway international could be set for a £25m signing on fee as well as a potential wage bill believed to be £168m.
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His agent Mino Raiola is also said to be demanding a huge £42m to broker any deal which would see Haaland depart Borussia Dortmund. The immense wealth of Manchester City precedes themselves, but their previous pursuits of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Spurs forward Kane show that they are willing to walk away from deals if they feel they are too expensive.
Guardiola’s side have also proved that they can cope without the presence of an orthodox striker this season. £100m summer signing Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva have also impressed while playing as a so-called ‘false nine’.
And Guardiola also pointed to his side’s performances this season as evidence that teams do not always need a striker to be successful. “It's important that if you play good, seven or eight players arrive in the box,” Guardiola added.
“This is the best way. Right now we are ahead to try and go Wembley for the semi-finals, in the last eight in Europe, and top of the Premier League.
“What we have done so far is great. We play this game, pray the players come back from the national team no injuries. We've fought a lot to be there.”
