Man City has agreed to sign Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund as he join City in July after the club activated a 60 million euro (£51.2 million) release clause in his contract.
The agreement puts an end to the club’s search for a replacement for all-time leading scorer Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sadio Mane Is A Summer Transfer Target For Bayern Munich
“We can confirm that we have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland,” City said. “The transfer remains subject to the club finalising terms with the player.”
Haaland, who passed his City medical on Monday in Belgium, has 85 goals in 88 appearances for Dortmund since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
Real Madrid and Barcelona were also interested in signing Haaland, but he chose to stay at Etihad Stadium.
Earlier on Tuesday, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that he could not discuss the incoming signing due to legal reasons.
“Everybody knows the situation. I shouldn’t talk because I don’t like to talk about the future or next season,” he said.
When asked what impact a new number nine would have on the Premier League champions, Guardiola said: “New players always helps to be a stronger team. But not one defender or striker will solve our defensive or scoring problems.
“The club always has to have a vision for the future. The decisions the club makes I am aware and supportive of 100%.”
The move would be one of the most significant of the summer. Prior to his death, sports agent Mino Raiola was involved in the discussions, with associates carrying the process to its conclusion.
Even though City is on the verge of a second consecutive Premier League title without a traditional center-forward, Guardiola has always expressed a desire for one.
Last summer, City attempted to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to sell.
He has 92 league goals in 121 appearances for Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, and Dortmund, becoming the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals last year.
Alf-Inge Haaland, Haaland’s father, played for City between 2000 and 2003, as well as for Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
