Manchester City, along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, represent the “next step” in Erling Haaland’s career when he leaves Borussia Dortmund, according to the striker’s agent, Mino Raiola, who suggested that Manchester United were not an option.
Haaland is considered the best young forward in Europe and is a target of City as Pep Guardiola seeks to replace Sergio Agüero, the club’s record scorer who left in the close season.
United came close to signing the Norwegian in 2019 but Raiola said the only English club of interest now were City.
“He can and will take the next step,” Raiola told the German TV channel Sport1. “Bayern, Real, Barcelona, City – these are the big clubs he can go to. City have won the championship five times in recent years, significantly more than United. When we moved to Dortmund, we all knew that this step would come.”
Asked how soon a move would happen, Raiola said: “Maybe this summer, maybe the summer after. But there is a great chance that Erling will leave this summer.”
Guardiola refused to respond when asked about Raiola’s comment. “Next question,” City’s manager said. “Don’t ask me about that – I’m not going to answer.”
Last season City claimed the title with 86 points. Guardiola, whose team are leaders with 35 from 15 games, believes 90 or more points will be needed this term. “The champions will have to win a lot of games for sure and [accrue] 90 or over,” he said.
Concerns regarding coronavirus have caused City to cancel the club Christmas party. “This organisation every Christmas organises a party for all the workers, the people here and we cancelled it,” Guardiola said. “We cannot do it. Everyone at home with their family and kids [can] organise a party. I think they’re going to do it but just be careful.”
