Report: Haaland gives green light to Manchester City move

Manchester City are closing in one of the most coveted players in world football.

Erling Haaland has instructed his representatives to move ahead with a transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City this summer, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. It’s understood initial personal terms have already been agreed upon between the striker’s representatives and the reigning Premier League champions.

The 21-year-old is widely believed to be available for a release clause of €75 million at the end of the season.

Haaland, who’s also apparently drawing interest from Real Madrid, is set to earn more than £500,000 a week on a five-year contract at Manchester City, The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan reported Monday. Keegan claimed City had taken a “significant step forward” in their pursuit of Haaland and could finalize a deal in the next week or so, but Ornstein believes the payment to Dortmund, commission to Haaland’s representatives, and additional details in his contract still need to be arranged.

City have declined to comment on the recent developments reported in the media. First-team manager Pep Guardiola said he had “no answer” when quizzed on City triggering Haaland’s release clause during Tuesday’s press conference.

Haaland should address City’s lack of a clinical No. 9. He’s scored 33 goals for Borussia Dortmund and Norway over the 2021-22 campaign. He also boasts a remarkable haul of 23 goals over 19 Champions League appearances since he notched a hat-trick in his competition debut in September 2019.

The prolific frontman has dealt with muscle, ankle, and hip injuries this season, missing 16 matches.

City tried to sign a striker before the 2021-22 term but failed in their bid to acquire Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur. City’s only recognized No. 9s since Sergio Aguero left last summer are Gabriel Jesus and 19-year-old Liam Delap, though the former has predominantly played on the right wing this season.