Erling Haaland

Matriac · Mar 19, 2021

He's not joining City.

The recent comment from Pep is just because a Norwegian journo asked him directly about Haaland because City drew Dortmund in the CL QF. He had to make a non-comment about him. Nothing has really changed.

Mr Smith · Mar 19, 2021

TrustInJanuzaj said:
City are yet to beat us to player in recent years. As usual mass hysteria in here over nothing. Pogba, Sanchez, Fred, Maguire were all city targets.

Not true at all. City beat us to Bernado Silva (who we were very interested in).

charlenefan · Mar 19, 2021

Mr Smith said:
Not true at all. City beat us to Bernado Silva (who we were very interested in).

its more true than any interest in Bernado, it's well documented that City went for all of those players mentioned whereas any interest in Bernado is just paper talk

Crustanoid · Mar 19, 2021

charlenefan said:
its more true than any interest in Bernado, it's well documented that City went for all of those players mentioned whereas any interest in Bernado is just paper talk

They’re plastic.
We probably need to go for under the radar players to evade the sports washing, league ruining sputum

Mr Smith · Mar 19, 2021

charlenefan said:
its more true than any interest in Bernado, it's well documented that City went for all of those players mentioned whereas any interest in Bernado is just paper talk

This is a tricky one to debate about 3 years on, but I strongly disagree; from my memory there were very strong indications that we were in for Bernado.

At any rate, I don't think how we've competed for players with City in the past is that relevant in Haaland's case. This is a guaranteed future Ballon D'or winner, a player with a one in one strike record in the champions league at age 20. He's not normal, so I don't think the normal rules apply.

I think it's naive to consider City as anything other than favourites to get him. They'll be the reigning English champions, they have the money, they have the manager, they have the training facilities and coaching staff, and there's a family link to boot. I'm not saying they'll certainly get him, but there's a lot in their favour. The only thing that might dissuade Haaland is if he feels City aren't really a challenge, or their lack of heritage and obvious financial advantages will put an asterisk on his achievements there. In that case, he might be open to considering a United, or a Madrid, or Liverpool, with the goal of being "the man" to usher in an era of dominance for the club.

I get that as United fans we're desperate not to see him go to City and we'll find any reason for him not to go, but we have to be realistic and acknowledge the likelihood is high.

TrustInJanuzaj · Mar 19, 2021

Mr Smith said:
Not true at all. City beat us to Bernado Silva (who we were very interested in).

I don’t remember is being interested in Bernardo at all, I think that might just have been fans hoping. Without a doubt city were in for the players I mentioned and weren’t willing to match our wages/bids. That might not be the same for Haaland but we are still a more attractive club than city.

iambad · Mar 19, 2021

We haven't won the league in 8 years, we haven't won the champions league in 15 years, we are basically AC Milan 2.0 if we look at things objectively and consider the lack of success we've had since Ferguson left.

Why does even a single person think we will come here? (roy keane trying to break his dad's legs aside) We haven't even finished above man city since 2013, really depressing stuff.

The time to buy Haaland was early last year when our only competition was Dortmund, how we managed to even feck that up is something i will never know. Maybe if we had Haaland in our current team the gap between 1st and 2nd would be much closer.

Anyway back to the point, no chance he is coming here so I won't get my hopes up. I hope we are able to scout some gem or buy a realistic centre forward who can reach the heights of previous greats like RVP, RVN, Rooney, Cole etc.

Roboc7 · Mar 19, 2021

I think he’ll go to Madrid next summer for the release clause, we can’t afford him this summer and he’s not going to be desperate to join. Will definitely play in the Premier League at some point but not for a few years.

Svartzonker · Mar 19, 2021

It really comes down to how much he wants to band up with Ole again. If he wants too, then I’m sure we’ll pay up.

I would still rather have Sancho. Haaland is going on a tour across a few teams in europe. If we sign Sancho he would be here for ten years and never play for another rival in the league (imo).

Matriac · Mar 19, 2021

Why does so many people think he wants to go to Spain?

He's a noggie, he prefers a cold rainy night in Stoke over humid Madrid.
And we dream of the prem much more than la liga.

RedRonaldo · Mar 19, 2021

Reason for him joining us:
1. We are one of very few clubs who could afford him
2. We have biggest fans base around the world, hence a great platform to expand his brand
3. Ole
4. Our squad are in general fairly young and talented. We are getting better and may challenge for titles in next couple of seasons.

Reason for him not joining us:
1. We are struggling to win any trophies
2. His father
3. His agent
4. There are several other better options for him. Everyone wants him.

Samid · Mar 19, 2021

Matriac said:
Why does so many people think he wants to go to Spain?

He's a noggie, he prefers a cold rainy night in Stoke over humid Madrid.
And we dream of the prem much more than la liga.

It’s weird. I’ve only ever come across a handful people here who actually prefer La Liga over PL. And they’ve all been the geeky hipster kind who love to be in the minority just for the sake of it.

Not even a decade of Ronaldo vs Messi has done much to change that. We’re simply not attracted by Spanish football.

laughtersassassin · Mar 20, 2021

It's kind of funny when people say why would he join us. Then follow it up with he will join Madrid.

They are awful right now. There team is far from promising.

That said sure maybe he will join them but maybe he will join us too.

Hoof the ball · Mar 20, 2021

reddevilchennai said:
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croadyman · Mar 20, 2021

Hoof The Ball said:

Will probably roll out the charm offensive a la Thiago in 2013 and dreading the thought of both clubs negotiating when they come over here for the away leg of the Champions League Quarter Final

Samid · Mar 20, 2021

If our new shirt sponsor really want to be noticed they need to provide the funds for a marquee signing this summer. Imagine the shockwaves it would send and the crazy publicity they would receive if the hottest prospect in football is holding a TeamViewer shirt as soon as it’s launched.

Feed Me · Mar 20, 2021

I think we will get Haaland.

Pexbo · Mar 20, 2021

I think City will get him. I used to think he wouldn’t fit in a Pep team but I reckon Pep will view him as a generational talent and a player he can build a team around getting the best out of, like he did Messi, albeit for a totally different type of player.

Pep wants Champions League trophies and Haaland is already proving he can score goals for fun in that competition, imagine what he could do with a Pep side designed to create opportunity after opportunity for him. It doesn’t bare thinking about.

Trex · Mar 20, 2021

https://www.goal.com/en/news/hes-a-...uardiola-is-one-of/1jqm9vrvkm8jy14io3ntvbbl7l

copen1945 · Mar 20, 2021

Hopefully, he would make the decision on professional merits, footballing quality and money. His father had said as much. If it were based on sentiments, United would be the last place he would be since he was a Leeds and a City fan. Also, a United player intentionally had broken his father's leg. United are in this race, which has only just started.

Josep Dowling · Mar 20, 2021

RedRonaldo said:
Reason for him joining us:
1. We are one of very few clubs who could afford him
2. We have biggest fans base around the world, hence a great platform to expand his brand
3. Ole
4. Our squad are in general fairly young and talented. We are getting better and may challenge for titles in next couple of seasons.

Reason for him not joining us:
1. We are struggling to win any trophies
2. His father
3. His agent
4. There are several other better options for him. Everyone wants him.

The only thing elite footballers care about is money and winning trophies.

cyberman · Mar 20, 2021

Josep Dowling said:
The only thing elite footballers care about is money and winning trophies.

And the bivger the fanbase, the more money they make.

Bwuk · Mar 20, 2021

Pexbo said:
I think City will get him. I used to think he wouldn’t fit in a Pep team but I reckon Pep will view him as a generational talent and a player he can build a team around getting the best out of, like he did Messi, albeit for a totally different type of player.

Pep wants Champions League trophies and Haaland is already proving he can score goals for fun in that competition, imagine what he could do with a Pep side designed to create opportunity after opportunity for him. It doesn’t bare thinking about.

Good chance Pep wins the CL this season without a out and out striker. I don’t see why he’d change it.

Gee Male · Mar 20, 2021

copen1945 said:
Hopefully, he would make the decision on professional merits, footballing quality and money. His father had said as much. If it were based on sentiments, United would be the last place he would be since he was a Leeds and a City fan. Also, a United player intentionally had broken his father's leg. United are in this race, which has only just started.

Every time I read someone saying Keane ended Haaland's career or broke his leg in this case, I want to scream.

Haaland didn't even go off injured after the Keane tackle. He finished that game, played a full game for Norway 4 days later, played 68 minutes of the next PL game. He had an operation on his other knee.

People should know better about this myth at this stage.

Escobar · Mar 20, 2021

laughtersassassin said:
It's kind of funny when people say why would he join us. Then follow it up with he will join Madrid.

They are awful right now. There team is far from promising.

That said sure maybe he will join them but maybe he will join us too.

But their pull is bigger than ours, and they had so much more success just recently. Our success is 8 years ago, big difference

charlenefan · Mar 20, 2021

Mr Smith said:
This is a tricky one to debate about 3 years on, but I strongly disagree; from my memory there were very strong indications that we were in for Bernado.

At any rate, I don't think how we've competed for players with City in the past is that relevant in Haaland's case. This is a guaranteed future Ballon D'or winner, a player with a one in one strike record in the champions league at age 20. He's not normal, so I don't think the normal rules apply.

I think it's naive to consider City as anything other than favourites to get him. They'll be the reigning English champions, they have the money, they have the manager, they have the training facilities and coaching staff, and there's a family link to boot. I'm not saying they'll certainly get him, but there's a lot in their favour. The only thing that might dissuade Haaland is if he feels City aren't really a challenge, or their lack of heritage and obvious financial advantages will put an asterisk on his achievements there. In that case, he might be open to considering a United, or a Madrid, or Liverpool, with the goal of being "the man" to usher in an era of dominance for the club.

I get that as United fans we're desperate not to see him go to City and we'll find any reason for him not to go, but we have to be realistic and acknowledge the likelihood is high.

in your opinion

I don't think they're favourites at all

Water Melon · Mar 20, 2021

Bwuk said:
Good chance Pep wins the CL this season without a out and out striker. I don’t see why he’d change it.

There is a huge reason why Pep would want Haaland. This lad would just cement City's domination in the Prem and increase their chances of winning the CL regularly as well. As the time goes on, teams adapt and modify their playing styles and tactics, thus it is much more difficult for the majority of champions to retain their titles. Erling would be a new special weapon in addition to Guardiola's existing arsenal.

Sparky Rhiwabon · Mar 20, 2021

Pep will want him if only to stop other teams being able to have him

dinostar77 · Mar 20, 2021

If your Haalands camp. You sit down to discuss the next project for your son to join over next 5 years. Winning CL trophies has to be high in the list, it leads to individual honours normally ala balon d'or. Which clubs can help us achieve that?

Madrid? Yes the best history in the competition, have an affinity for winning it. Play under a legendary ex-player in Zidane. Lots of chances will be created for you on the pitch. If the money they have been saving isn't spent on Mbappe then they will buy you. Do you want to go somewhere were you weren't the defact no1 target?

City? Not won it yet, but will happen. Backed by a gulf state and desperate to win the trophy. Domestically dominating. Also you get to play under one of the greatest managers if his generation and improve as a player. Lots of chances will be created for you. Dont have the history of other clubs on this list.

Barcelona? Maybe not the best time to join. Financial issues. Messi approaching retirement. Uncertain times. All the play will go through Messi so you will have to adapt. Lots of chances will be created on the pitch for you to score. Koeman's future is unknown.

Man Utd? No league title in 8 years. No CL in over a decade. A manager who has never won a major trophy in his time at the club (as manager). Pogba potentially leaving. Wide forwards who are more interested in scoring themselves than creating chances for you to score. However you know the manager personally.

Juventus? Financially cripped by Ronaldo wages. Normally dominate domestically, however Pirlo is still a unknown. Dont have a great history with winning the CL. Still harder to score in Italy than anyother league due to the defensive outlook of most teams.

Bayern? Don't need you they have leodowski for a few more years. However like Madrid have a great CL history and dominate domestically.

PSG? French league isnt the best. Desperate to win the CL trophy though. Can match or beat any financial package any other team offers. Get to play with Neymar and Mbappe.

Liverpool? Klopps future is uncertain. Team is reaching an end of a cycle. How much are the owners willing to spend to refresh it? Probably the lowest wages of all the teams on this list. Salah their best paid player is on 200k a week.

Chelsea? Tuchel doing a very good job so far. Young team thats in the right age bracket. London is a attractive location. Could be potential CL winners again by end of season. That could tip the balance in their favour ala Eden Hazard decision to join after Chelsea won CL and reject Utd.

So from all of choices, if you were Haalands camp and advising him, where would you go? The answer isn't Utd. There are better teams for him to join at this stage in his career.

Spark · Mar 20, 2021

dinostar77 said:
If your Haalands camp. You sit down to discuss the next project for your son to join over next 5 years. Winning CL trophies has to be high in the list, it leads to individual honours normally ala balon d'or. Which clubs can help us achieve that?

Madrid? Yes the best history in the competition, have an affinity for winning it. Play under a legendary ex-player in Zidane. Lots of chances will be created for you on the pitch. If the money they have been saving isn't spent on Mbappe then they will buy you. Do you want to go somewhere were you weren't the defact no1 target?

City? Not won it yet, but will happen. Backed by a gulf state and desperate to win the trophy. Domestically dominating. Also you get to play under one of the greatest managers if his generation and improve as a player. Lots of chances will be created for you. Dont have the history of other clubs on this list.

Barcelona? Maybe not the best time to join. Financial issues. Messi approaching retirement. Uncertain times. All the play will go through Messi so you will have to adapt. Lots of chances will be created on the pitch for you to score. Koeman's future is unknown.

Man Utd? No league title in 8 years. No CL in over a decade. A manager who has never won a major trophy in his time at the club (as manager). Pogba potentially leaving. Wide forwards who are more interested in scoring themselves than creating chances for you to score. However you know the manager personally.

Juventus? Financially cripped by Ronaldo wages. Normally dominate domestically, however Pirlo is still a unknown. Dont have a great history with winning the CL. Still harder to score in Italy than anyother league due to the defensive outlook of most teams.

Bayern? Don't need you they have leodowski for a few more years. However like Madrid have a great CL history and dominate domestically.

PSG? French league isnt the best. Desperate to win the CL trophy though. Can match or beat any financial package any other team offers. Get to play with Neymar and Mbappe.

Liverpool? Klopps future is uncertain. Team is reaching an end of a cycle. How much are the owners willing to spend to refresh it? Probably the lowest wages of all the teams on this list. Salah their best paid player is on 200k a week.

Chelsea? Tuchel doing a very good job so far. Young team thats in the right age bracket. London is a attractive location. Could be potential CL winners again by end of season. That could tip the balance in their favour ala Eden Hazard decision to join after Chelsea won CL and reject Utd.

So from all of choices, if you were Haalands camp and advising him, where would you go? The answer isn't Utd. There are better teams for him to join at this stage in his career.

City is the obvious choice. Not only are they stacked with quality, they also will pay handsomely. This not only matters to Haaland but also that cnut agent of his.

Then to top it off he’s a City fan from childhood.

We can only hope he somehow flops (yep, can’t it either).

Hopefully Dortmund stubbornly hold on like with Sancho.

Zoo · Mar 20, 2021

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dinostar77 · Mar 20, 2021

Zoo said:
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I guess that is because Mbappe wage demands are utterly astronomical. €25mil net a year. Thats Neymar level of wages. Plus the transfer fee. Haaland is probably the cheaper pacakage overall.

Makelele · Mar 20, 2021

It would be smart to look at Haalands latest move. He could have joined pretty much all the big clubs like say Ødegaard could and did. He decided against that and went for Dortmund. In hindsight the perfect club to further develop himself. What does this tell us? He is clearly being advised very well, and his next move is going to be a football move not a money or marketing move.

If you look at the football landscape today it would make little sense for him to join Real Madrid, a team that is clearly in need of a rebuild. The likes of Kroos, Modric, Ramos and Benzema all on their last leg. Their biggest purchase in years and the guy who was to jump start the new era is struggling big time with incredible injury problems and nearing 30. Would Haaland really make that move now? Just like Ronaldo, he should wait at least 3 years when they have a new identity settled, not be part of a rebuild process.

For me the choice is going to be between City, United or Chelsea, with the favorite being Chelsea because from a football stand point he is just what they need, and they are just what he needs.

Acquire Me · Mar 20, 2021

We will get him. The kid wants to get legend status in Norway.

ivaldo · Mar 20, 2021

This is from Marca?

Judas · Mar 20, 2021

No problem with him going to Real if it keeps him away from a rival.

Organic Potatoes · Mar 20, 2021

Pexbo said:
I think City will get him. I used to think he wouldn’t fit in a Pep team but I reckon Pep will view him as a generational talent and a player he can build a team around getting the best out of, like he did Messi, albeit for a totally different type of player.

Pep wants Champions League trophies and Haaland is already proving he can score goals for fun in that competition, imagine what he could do with a Pep side designed to create opportunity after opportunity for him. It doesn’t bare thinking about.

Yeah, I never bought the argument he won’t fit into Pep side. City was breaking Prem records left and right with a pure #9 in Kun, and Haaland is arguably more suited to their style of play. I’m sure Pep would love to have him.

sun_tzu · Mar 20, 2021

Makelele said:
If you look at the football landscape today it would make little sense for him to join Real Madrid, a team that is clearly in need of a rebuild.

Really... players with at least 3 good season left in them but most many more
Courtois 28
Carvajal 29
Mendy 25
Militao 23
Varane 27
Cesimiro 29
Valvarde 22
Isco 28
Asensio 25
Haaland? 20
Viniscus 20

Lunin 22
Vallejo 23
Odrizola 25
Renier 18
Odegaard 22
Kubo 19
Rodrygo 20

I mean it's real Madrid so they are gonna add a decent player or two a season to that

Plus you have
Nacho ... marcello... kroos... vasquz... bale... hazard and benzema

There is a hell of a lot of teams need less of a rebuild than that ... then factor in the real factor plus living in Madrid

I wouldn't rule out some emergency government loan and all of a sudden you see mbappe and haaland line up there in the next couple of seasons

Of course there are other options but I think you can't discount real as a very real possibility

Red Star One · Mar 20, 2021

If I were him I’d go to Madrid. League better suited for getting crazy numbers than Premier League, legendary club, good CL chances every season and you don’t disgrace yourself and make your family ashamed by wearing a City shirt.

ZolaWasMagic · Mar 20, 2021

ivaldo said:
This is from Marca?

yes, Madrids mouthpiece. As a side note, Jose Felix Diaz is considered super reliable for Madrid news.

When the Hazard talk was going on with Marca, i remember seeing on twitter that if its written by Diaz, you can take it as almost certainly true

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