Man City are heading for Pep’s biggest coup with a £123m ace
Manchester City fell to another defeat at home to bitter rivals Manchester United to leave them 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Premier League table.
The 2-1 defeat represented Man City’s fifth league defeat in their last seven games with many pundits believing the champions are now out of the running to defend their crown once again. His current form is a far cry from his brilliant displays that carried the club four Premier League titles in a row.
It has been a season of bad luck for the club so far, with 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL injury and talisman Kevin De Bruyne continues to struggle for fitness and shape
Unfortunately for the boss Pep Guardiolait seems the bad news may not end his side’s poor run of form; in fact, it could be about to get worse.
The Man City star is Barcelona’s target
Barcelona currently sits in the first place in the league standings approaching the holiday break and forward Robert Lewandowski has been in devastating form with 16 goals in just 17 games for the Catalan club so far this season.
However, with the striker having just turned 36, it looks like Barcelona are starting to plan for life after the Polish striker to continue his recent upturn in form both domestically and in Europe.
According to reports in Spain, through SportWitness, Barcelona are preparing a sensational summer move for Erling Haaland and the player is believed to be open to movement.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is believed to be in constant contact with Haaland’s agent and it appears that next summer is when the Spanish giants could trigger the Norwegian’s release clause. Haaland has been unhappy with City’s recent form and believes a move to Spain could be the next step in his fledgling career.
The move would be a huge blow for Pep Guardiola, who would lose his attacking focal point after scoring a stunning goal. 108 goals for the club in just 121 appearances.
The impact of Haaland leaving Man City
Despite City’s notable drop in form this season, Haaland has still piled on 18 goals in all competitions and is currently the Joint top scorer in the Premier League.
The Valuation £123m forward has been involved 50% of Man City’s goals this season and his departure would leave a huge void in the forward line at the Etihad with other performances lacking in that department.
|
Haaland vs. Doku, Foden, Grealish & Savio season 24/25 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Haaland |
fabric |
the foot |
Grealish |
wise |
|
goals |
13 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
xG |
0.81 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.11 |
0.27 |
|
shots |
4.32 |
2.18 |
3 |
1.68 |
2.52 |
|
Shots on goal |
52.2% |
26.7% |
12.5% |
33.3% |
35% |
|
Aerial duels won |
46.7% |
0% |
20% |
16.7% |
0% |
|
Statistics via FBRef |
|||||
It is clear that Haaland would be irreplaceable at City having scored more goals this term than the other four forwards combined. In addition, the powerful forward has the higher goals expectedthe most shots and the highest percentage of shots on goal among the attacking options at Guardiola’s disposal.
Being the focal point of City’s attack is a crucial role in how Pep likes his teams to play and with Haaland also winning the most aerial duelshas more than proven his worth in the side in recent seasons.
Manchester City’s season may not be done and dusted just yet. However, if Barcelona manage to sign the Norwegian in the summer, it could leave a void that even Guardiola would struggle to fill.
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