Erling Haaland is the biggest talent in Germany and one of the best strikers in Europe.
The 20-year-old’s goal record is ridiculous, just this season, he has 17 goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances. At 6’4″ he’s a physical beast, he’s incredibly fast, technically brilliant, and a lethal finisher. He is, in essence, the perfect striker. With Borussia Dortmund struggling financially, there are reports of the Bundesliga side being willing to let him go this summer. However, the reported price is £150 million, more than double his €75 million release clause which will apparently become active in 2022.
In a COVID-dominated market, even for a player of Haaland’s obvious capabilities, there are very few clubs who could afford him. There are four clubs in the Premier League who are reportedly after the Norweigan prodigy. Both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool. So, given the situations they’re in, who will take the plunge this summer, and who will wait?
Manchester City
The blue half of Manchester is going to be looking for a striker in the summer. Their legendary forward Sergio Aguero looks to be leaving in the summer. Even with Gabriel Jesus on the books, a new number nine will be needed.
Erling Haaland fits the ticket beautifully. He’ll add a physical presence that Manchester City hasn’t had for quite some time. He’s got the technical quality and pace to play in a Guardiola team. Given how well Manchester City are doing going forward, the potential addition of Haaland should terrify the rest of the league. However, the question of whether they will buy him this summer is a tricky one.
While they can afford him, given their immense financial backing, there is one issue with signing him this summer. This being a certain Lionel Messi. Widely linked with a move to signing him in the summer, a move for him and Haaland would surely incur the wrath of the financial fair play. However, a move for the Norweigan rather than the 34-year-old Messi may be a smarter move for the future this summer.
Manchester United
The Red Devils, just like their neighbours aren’t shy about spending a few quid. They do have an excellent number nine in Edinson Cavani, however, a younger model could be in order. With the signing of Haaland, United would be set for a front three for the next decade.
The balance of the attack with Rashford and Greenwood flanking the Norweigan would be perfect. There is also the added bonus of Haaland hooking up with a manager who has worked with him before. Having managed Haaland at Molde previously, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he is still in touch with the 20-year-old.
In this case, United need to move sooner rather than later. Stealing a march on their rivals by signing him would represent an opportunity for them to build for the future. Being one of the few clubs who could afford him in this climate, the extra money should not faze United.
Chelsea
Like the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea is not exactly short of cash. Last summer, they attacked the market with the funds earned from the sale of Eden Hazard. Now, they reportedly have a €300 million war chest to wade into battle with this summer. That’s more than enough to buy the Norweigan marksman.
Bringing him into the side would add the star power this Chelsea side has been searching for. Able to play in a two-striker system or as a lone number nine, he’d suit Tuchel’s tactical flexibility beautifully. In Tuchel, he also has a manager who has managed to get the best out of his fellow attacking star, Kylian Mbappe.
Bringing him in would help Chelsea make their return to the top of European football. The Blues have failed to advance past the round of 16 in the Champions League for the last seven seasons. Bringing in a goalscorer of Haaland’s quality ahead of clubs waiting for his release clause represents a great opportunity for the Blues to claim their place at the top of European football.
LIVERPOOL
The one thing making Liverpool fans happy of late is the thought of new signings and a new season. If there is one thing you can guarantee, it’s that securing Erling Haaland would be a much-needed boost for Liverpool. However, in this case unfortunately for the Anfield faithful, signing the Norweigan this summer is at best, fanciful.
Liverpool’s transfer window summer window was defined by being frugal. Thiago and Diogo Jota were signed for low initial fees, and if as looks very possible they miss out on Champions League football, this will have to continue. While Haaland fits the profile of player Liverpool needs without a doubt, he is surely too expensive for the coming window.
However, if the opportunity to sign him for his release clause in the summer of 2022 it’s surely a no-brainer. The Reds are in desperate need of a number nine and Haaland would suit the Reds down to the ground. However, given the financial realities Liverpool currently faces, it’s doubtful the Dortmund striker will be coming to Merseyside.
