Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Braut Haaland.
According to the club’s official website, the 21-year-old will join City on July 1 subject to the club finalising terms with the player.
City have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to Haaland’s signature to finally secure the top-class striker they have been missing.
Haaland reportedly had a £63 million release clause in his contract, but it is understood the amount is actually £51m. City will pay around £85m when agent’s fees and bonuses are added.
The Norwegian international will be City’s ninth-most expensive signing – making him tremendous value when considering his potential.
Jak Grealish’s £105.75m move from Aston Villa last summer is their biggest outlay, while Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Riyad Mahrez are amongst the players who have cost more than Haaland.
His proposed £375,000-per-week salary will put him on a par with De Bruyne but ahead of Grealish who earns around £300,000-per-week.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo on £510,000-per-week earns more than De Bruyne, while fellow Manchester United star David de Gea is also on £375,000-per-week.
All of their earnings are dwarfed by Lionel Messi, who reportedly has a £960,000-per-week pay packet at Paris Saint-Germain.
Haaland’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium will be widely viewed as the final piece of the jigsaw in City’s bid to win the Champions League.
He has bagged 85 goals in 88 appearances for Dortmund, having previous rattled home 29 in 27 games for Red Bull Salzburg.
Injuries have restricted him to 29 appearances for the German giants this season, but he has still netted 28 goals.
City’s decision not to replace Sergio Aguero last summer raised plenty of eyebrows, but their patience has undoubtedly been rewarded now they have secured Haaland’s services.
Check out our Scout Report to look at what Haaland will bring to City.
