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Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City this summer could shape the Premier League landscape for a generation to come.
The 21-year-old has burst onto the scene in recent seasons, and announced himself as one of Europe’s top young strikers by scoring 86 goals in 89 appearances for German giants Borussia Dortmund.
As a result, Haaland was the subject of a variety of transfer links concerning some of Europe’s top clubs.
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Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and plenty others were all linked with big money moves for the forward in recent months.
However, it was Manchester City who ultimately swooped in during the summer transfer window to activate the player's bargain £51 million release clause and secure the services of the top prospect in world football for years to come.
While City were one of only a few clubs with the financial resources to tie Erling Haaland down to a big money contract, the move does not come without sentiment.
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The forward’s father, Alfie, also played for the club between 2000 and 2003.
As a result, Erling Haaland was raised a Manchester City fan, and has even been spotted in photos and videos attending Manchester City matches at both the Etihad Stadium and Wembley as a kid.
In his first interview with the club, the striker stated, "I've been a (Manchester) City fan my whole life."
He continued, "I feel a bit at home here and also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."
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While it was Manchester City who ultimately won the race, their crosstown rivals Manchester United were one of many to have missed out.
United are claimed to have made Erling Haaland a ‘primary target’ ever since the player rejected initial offers to join the Old Trafford club in 2020, according to the information of GOAL’s James Robson.
As per the report, Erling Haaland never considered Manchester United as an option, as he was ‘wholly unconvinced’ by their project or the direction of the club.
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In the end, Manchester United ended up re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, 12 years after the Portuguese striker left the club for Real Madrid.
The Red Devils have since found themselves without UEFA Champions League football to play, following a sixth place finish in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
For Manchester City on the other hand, Erling Haaland was not the only signing down the middle.
The Norwegian international will be joined at the Etihad Stadium by River Plate striker Julian Alvarez.
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The 22 year-old has launched himself onto the scene in Argentinian football, with an impressive scoring tally of 10 goals and four assists in 16 games this season.
Featured Image Credit: NTB Scanpix / AlamyTopics: Erling Haaland, Norway, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga