Erling Haaland transfer: Pep Guardiola explains what striker adds to City as he fires dig at Man Utd, Liverpool spending
Pep Guardiola has finally broken his silence on the impending Erling Haaland transfer to Manchester City – and insists he will be a top player for the Cityzens for many years to come.
The striker’s agreement over a move to the Etihad was finally confirmed earlier this week, with Aymeric Laporte leading the welcomes. With City meeting his £51m exit clause, Haaland will officially become a City player on July 1, subject of medical checks.
City will hope that Haaland finally helps deliver them the ultimate prize with the Champions League. Guardiola’s men missed out once again this season, having crashed out of the semi-final stage.
But having Haaland in their ranks will surely boost their chances, especially given his formidable goal record. They have lacked something of a focal point in attack ever since Sergio Aguero’s departure last year.
Indeed, the Norway striker has an incredible 85 goals in 88 appearances for Dortmund.
Until now, Guardiola has kept his lips sealed on the prospective deal.
However, with his side closing in on a fourth title in five seasons after Kevin De Bruyne inspired a thumping win at Wolves, Guardiola broke his silence.
“It is a decision for the club to make a good sign for the future. He can come for many, many years hopefully. And I am pretty sure he will adapt perfectly to our team but for next season,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
Asked if he was excited by the prospect of working with one of the world’s top players, Guardiola insists he will do all he can to help Haaland settle in.
“I’m excited in my job but of course, the players make you a good manager,” he added. “He is an incredible young talent, perfect age. I am pretty sure we are going to help him settle as best possible.”
Guardiola can’t resist pop at rivals following Erling Haaland transfer
The capture of Haaland is yet another huge statement made by Manchester City in the transfer market.
After landing Jack Grealish last summer for a £100m British record fee, the deal for the Norwegian takes his spending at City through the £770m bracket.
However, he is adamant that City always spend within their limits and could not resist a pop at Liverpool and Manchester United over their transfer outlays over the years.
“For the people, it’s just money,” he said. “If you want to think about that, think about that.
“But I know exactly we are working here and I said okay don’t give me credit, don’t give us credit, but let us give ourselves credit and as a manager give to my players, to my staff.
“Listen when Liverpool in the 70s or 80s or United, who spend more money? It was Norwich? Norwich spend more money in that period? Or Leicester spend more money on them? No they spend more money than the other ones but the money for them is completely different from now.
“I am going to change it. When we put Etihad here [front of shirt] ‘aw it’s overpaid.’ But now United and Liverpool or whoever is going to pay maybe more maybe they deserve it because they’re working well, because the CEO negotiates well, whatever happens, then more because it’s for United States of America or another country the owners are so now it’s perfect.
“That’s why we’re going to change but for a long time it’s not going to change, that is the reality. Only way we can change is doing well on the pitch.”
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