The Premier League champions have signed a five-year contract with one of the world’s most exciting attackers. Erling Haaland has been introduced by Manchester City after completing his long-awaited £51 million ($63 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
In May, the Premier League winners announced that one of the most sought-after strikers in the world would be joining them.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich were among the clubs interested in signing the 21-year-old, but he has instead agreed to a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian international has given his first interview since joining the club, and he says he is looking forward to working with manager Pep Guardiola.
The club presented him with an introduction film that began with a picture of him as a child sitting on a sofa wearing the 2008-09 Man City shirt and ended with Haaland holding the picture while dressed in the 2022-23 Citizens uniform.
“This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched Man City and have loved doing so in recent seasons,” he said.
“You can’t help but admire their style of play, it’s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me.
“There are so many world-class players in this squad and Pep is one of the greatest managers of all-time, so I believe I am in the right place to fulfill my ambitions.
“I want to score goals, win trophies, and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here. This is a great move for me, and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season.”
Why Man City signed Haaland
Since Sergio Aguero left in 2021, Pep guardiola has been without a striker , and a summer pursuit of England international Harry Kane ended with the England international staying at Tottenham.
After scoring 85 goals in 88 games for Dortmund, Haaland, who made his Champions League debut at Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, is considered as an ideal replacement.
He grew up watching Man City and follows in the footsteps of his father, Alf Inge, who joined the club from Leeds 22 years ago.
What has Man City had to say about their latest signing?
Since he was a teenager at Molde in his home Norway, Man City has been keeping an eye on his growth.
Txiki Begiristain, director of football, said, Erling has everything we want in a striker, and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system,”
“His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him, and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep.
“This is a very exciting signing for our club, and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching Erling perform in this team.”