Haaland to Man City has been made official today, according to multiple reports. As reported, the Norwegian youngster will not earn more than Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City. So, he will now be worth around £375,000 per week.
The Sky Blues are gathering every available resource, so as to be able to win the UEFA Champions League next season. Of course, the Borussia Dortmund striker has the ability and capability to make waves at Manchester City. So, many Premier League clubs may not be able to withstand their pressure next campaign.
Haaland to Man City will change many things in the Premier League. Because the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham will want to reinforce their squads as well.
Haaland to Man City: Would He Succeed At The Etihad?
The 21-year-old Norwegian striker is indeed a goal-machine. As he usually provides 0.86 non-penalty goals, 0.37 assists, 3.36 total shots, and 0.67 expected goals per 90 minutes. With all that being said, Erling Haaland has the potential to boost Manchester City’s offensive statistics. However, he may not succeed at the club, particularly under Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish gaffer doesn’t usually build his frontline around a standard No.9. It was obvious with Sergio Agüero, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona. As a result, he loves to play false No.9 because he always wants his wingers to drive into the opponent’s box. Meanwhile, the Norwegian youngster doesn’t suit that style of play. Which means, he’s most likely to struggle at the Etihad.
For Haaland to Man City to be worthwhile. The player will have to learn how to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s style. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a fearless striker back then, but he couldn’t live up to his name under the Spanish manager. Because he failed to adapt to his style of football. Therefore, Erling Haaland will have to learn Pep Guardiola’s style or he may not succeed at the club.
Would Pep Guardiola Regret Signing The 21-year-old Striker?
Erling Haaland is a type of No.9 like Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo. They don’t drop deep into the midfield to receive the ball from their teammates. Meanwhile, the Spanish gaffer’s style may not allow him to shine. As a result, the Sky Blues may regret getting his signature this summer.
For instance, Robert Lewandowski was not a standard No.9 under Pep Guardiola. Because he was trying to blend himself with the team’s style of play. At the same time, Jack Grealish is still struggling under the manager. As he’s not used to his style of football. The Englishman played as a wide attacker at Aston Villa, but he’s playing a different role at the Etihad.
In all honesty, Pep Guardiola is taking more risks in the transfer market. And he’s most likely to regret signing Erling Haaland. With that being said, the Spanish boss may not be able to win the UEFA Champions League next season. He’s probably going to set £65 million on fire, because the Norwegian striker may be useless under him.
For Pep Guardiola to make Haaland to Man City the best summer transfer. He will have to change his formation from 4-1-2-3 to 4-2-1-3, so as to use Kevin De Bruyne as a No.10. As a result, the Belgian midfielder will be able to accommodate the striker. Perhaps to pick up the pieces when he loses ball possession. Without doing that, the Manchester City boss may already have latest flop in his squad.
Romelu Lukaku is currently struggling to establish himself under Thomas Tuchel. At the same time, Tammy Abraham did not live up to his potential under him. Primarily because Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel do not employ standard No.9. They always want their central-forwards to drop deep to gain possession.
Obviously, Erling Haaland will have to learn the Spanish gaffer’s style of football if he wants to shine. Having said that, he may not play to the club’s expectations.