Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has already warned his side of the brilliance of Erling Haaland after Manchester City announced an agreement to sign the striker from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Haaland's departure seemed inevitable this summer with a £51 million release clause becoming active and City appear to have won the race for his signature.
This season has seen the Norwegian score 28 goals in 28 games in all competitions for Dortmund, taking his total tally for the club to a remarkable 85 in 88, providing 23 assists in that time. Considering Pep Guardiola's side have already found the net 89 times in the Premier League this season, they are sure to be a menacing prospect again next term.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for Haaland during the 2021 summer transfer window but a deal could not be agreed before it slammed shut. Given the current sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich and the subsequent special licence they are currently operating under, they never stood a chance this time around.
In a statement, the reigning Premier League champions said: "Manchester City can confirm we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the Club on 1st July 2022. The transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player."
Tuchel spoke further about Haaland towards the end of 2021 too. The German did not shy away from the topic either, pouring plenty of praise on the 21-year-old. It is praise that could now be seen as a warning to what he could bring to City when they face Chelsea next term.
“We talked about Erling Haaland a couple of times, including during the transfer window," Tuchel told SportBILD after winning their manager of the year award. "But then it seemed absolutely unrealistic and not at all feasible.
“We talk about him regularly, of course, because he’s a fantastic player and clearly the defining figure at Dortmund, who is a big rival for us in the Champions League.”
