Manchester City are very close to completing the signing of Erling Haaland from Dortmund, with an announcement expected as early as this week, according to The Telegraph. The club will trigger the £64m release clause in the Norwegian’s contract. 

Considered one of the most promising young players in the world, Haaland is set to sign a five-year deal and therefore become one of the highest-paid players at City, alongside Kevin De Bruyne.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene during his time at RB Salzburg and has maintained his exploits in front of goal since his subsequent move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020. The striker has 21 goals in 23 games in the Bundesliga this season, along with 3 in 3 in the Champions League. 

Haaland is believed to have completed a medical at the Erasme Hospital in Brussels, ahead of a deal that could cost Pep Guardiola’s side upwards of £200m. Man City had to beat off competition from the likes of Real Madrid to bring the Norwegian back to his country of birth and to the club his father Alfie Haaland once represented. 

The striker would have huge boots to fill, however, as he is believed to be replacing club legend Sergio Aguero, who left City after last season for Barcelona but unfortunately had to end his career prematurely due to a heart problem.

Guardiola’s decision of not bringing in a big-name signing immediately and instead deciding to stick with Gabriel Jesus, while using Foden or Kevin De Bruyne as false-nine throughout the season looks to have born fruit as the team close in on their fourth Premier League trophy in five years.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about the potential deal during an interview with Sky Sports today; “If Erling Haaland goes there, it will not weaken them, Definitely not. I think it's enough spoken about this transfer and I know in the moment it's a lot of talk there that other people talk about money but this transfer will set new levels, let me say it like this.” remarked Klopp.