(Football news) Premier League champions Manchester City have announced the signing of Erling Haaland in a deal worth £51m from Borussia Dortmund. City activated the 21 year old’s release clause from the German club and are expected to pay an estimated £85.5m which includes agent fees, signing bonus and various other costs. Haaland has signed a five year deal with City and is a much needed signing for Pep Guardiola’s team, who have lacked a number 9 since Sergio Aguero’s departure.

Speaking at his unveiling, Haaland said “This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons. 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 fulfil 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."

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "We have been monitoring Erling for several years now, so we are delighted to bring him here to Manchester City. He is a huge talent and has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few seasons. His goalscoring record is exceptional and his performances at Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League in particular have proved he can succeed at the highest level. 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." 

It can be said that Haaland’s intention to join City is not purely financial as his father Alfie Haaland played for the blue half of Manchester for three years. From City’s perspective, it’s a very shrewd signing as a player of his quality would cost £150m in the market but they managed to get him for just £51m due to his release clause. The Norwegian footballer has a chance to make his mark in the toughest league in the world and work under the best manager in the world and the inclusion of the 21 year old in an already good squad might just propel City to that elusive Champions League glory. 

Haaland is expected to fit into City’s team seamlessly, as the team’s style of play means that they have a bulk of possession in almost every game and create plenty of opportunities. The club lacks a proper number 9 with Gabriel Jesus preferring to play out wide to find space while Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden preferring to play in the wide positions as well. If Haaland remains free from injury and adapts to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, there should be no reason for the Norwegian to not finish as the top scorer at the club next season.

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