Man City striker Erling Haaland has vowed to do ‘everything in his power’ to help the Blues win trophies.
For as long as Erling Haaland plays for Manchester City, he will be linked with a move to Real Madrid. The rumours may well be tentative, but there will always be suggestions that the Norwegian frontman is destined to play for the Spanish giants. However, for now, and definitely for the foreseeable future, the 22-year-old is focused on one thing; and it’s not Los Blancos.
Haaland signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium after agreeing to join from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window, meaning that, should the striker stay in Manchester for the duration of his deal, he will be a Blues player until 2027.
With the frontman having registered 27 goals and three assists in 24 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side, the thought of Haaland playing for City for at least another four-and-a-half years will understandably please Blues supporters, while also frightening opposition players, fans and, probably, managers.
There have been rumours circulating that there is a specific clause in Haaland’s deal which allows Real Madrid to sign the player in the summer of 2024 for £175m. Clause or no clause, Los Blancos will still probably come for the striker at some point – that almost feels like a certainty. Having missed out on Kylian Mbappe last summer, they view the Norwegian as the long-term heir to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Barcelona are also likely to be in for the player in the coming years, but City will be hoping that they can keep hold of the striker for many years to come – and maybe even for longer than his current contract. Understandably, given he only joined the club a few months ago, Haaland has not publicly discussed his future transfer plans, but his recent comments about his Champions League hopes with City will come as music to the ears of everyone associated with the Blues.
During an interview with GQ, which was conducted during the World Cup break and released this week, the 22-year-old vowed to do ‘everything in his power’ to help the Blues win the Champions League during his time at the Etihad.
While City – who have never lifted the Champions League trophy – have won countless domestic trophies in recent seasons, the team’s mindset in Europe has come under scrutiny in the past few years. When asked if the Blues have lacked something mentally at crucial moments, Haaland took a different view on the matter.
“Honestly, I don’t think so. Sometimes, like the game against Real Madrid last year, when you see the goal Rodrygo scores – where Asensio heads the ball and misses it, and it hits Rodrygo’s leg and goes in the goal – sometimes I think actually there is a God up there who decides these things.
“This mentality kind of thing, Madrid knowing that they’ve won it before? I don’t know if that’s a thing. Maybe.”
Haaland has scored 28 goals in 23 Champions League matches in his career. (Image: 2022 Getty Images)
Although Haaland’s view on City’s failings in Europe in recent seasons is somewhat irrelevant now, his obsession with winning the Champions League is exactly what Blues fans need to hear. The 22-year-old wants to win every possible trophy under Guardiola, but success under the bright lights in the world’s premier competition is what he craves the most.
“I will try to do everything in my power to win trophies here with Manchester City and to try to be the game changer,” Haaland said. “My goal is to win the Champions League, hopefully.”
Guardiola has previously suggested, potentially tongue in cheek, that he would be a failure if he doesn’t win the Champions League during his time at City. Without speaking on Haaland’s behalf, there is probably a case to say that the Blues striker would feel the same about his own career if he fails to lift the trophy.
The fact that the Norwegian star is so desperate to triumph in Europe could ultimately prove to influence his decision to move on if the Blues fail to win the Champions League in the coming years, but for now, it says all you need to know about his intentions with City.
He is motivated by winning trophies, and with that, will undoubtedly come goals. There is always going to be speculation about his future and whether or not he will stay at the Etihad when Madrid eventually come calling. However, the Norwegian ace has already revealed his plans for the future – and they are very much focused on enjoying success in a blue shirt.
