Erling Haaland Admits Watching Manchester City Consistently For Six Years Prior To Etihad Transfer

Manchester City newcomer Erling Haaland claims he has been watching the team ever since Pep Guardiola joined the club in 2016.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s premier centre-forwards in recent seasons.

A large share of those credentials comes down to the player boasting a tally of 85 goals scored in 88 appearances for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. 

As a result, Erling Haaland was the subject of a lengthy transfer saga in recent windows.

European super-clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United were all keen on securing the services of the Norwegian international at various stages.

In the end, it was Manchester City who activated Erling Haaland’s £51.2 million release clause.

Officials at the east Manchester club tied down the striker to a contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2027. 

At the weekend, Haaland was joined by fellow Manchester City newcomers Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega Moreno in an event held at the Etihad Stadium to introduce the club’s new signings to the club's supporters.

Haaland also participated in his first press conference as a Manchester City player, and revealed his history watching the Blues, and whether or not he spoke with boss Pep Guardiola ahead of signing with the club. 

“I (have) watched (Manchester) City ever since Pep (Guardiola) took over in 2016, I know exactly how they play, I know a lot about everything."

He continued, “That's the most important thing. I knew a lot of things before I spoke to him.”

Questions have been raised as to how Haaland might fit into Guardiola’s plans, as the Catalan manager has thrived in recent seasons while playing without a recognised centre-forward in the squad. 

A rotation of wingers and attacking midfielders contributed to the attacking output from the ‘false 9’ position, but Erling Haaland’s arrival could change all of that. 

To compound that, former River Plate striker Julian Alvarez has also joined the Premier League champions.

The 22-year-old comes with hefty expectations on his shoulders, after racking up 84 goal contributions for the Argentine club. 

His arrival, along with Erling Haaland's, could signal a change in Manchester City’s style of play, as they boast solid depth in the striker position for the first time in years.