With the summer transfer window fast approaching, it’s not a surprise to see Manchester City linked with world-class talent, Erling Haaland. However, Pep Guardiola recently stated, “today there is more chance we are not going to buy any striker for the next season.”
Manchester City to Be Without an Elite Striker
Erling Haaland Staying Away From the Premier League
Manchester City looks unlikely to make any mega signings to replace Sergio Aguero. Even with some of the richest owners in world football.
With Aguero on the way out, City appeared to be the frontrunners to sign Haaland.
Perhaps this was because Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge played for Manchester City, famously known for his altercations with Roy Keane, which ended in the Norwegian being dealt a horrendous injury blow.
Furthermore, Manchester City is one of the few clubs in world football that can afford the price tag set by Borussia Dortmund. At around £150 million, Haaland is in the bracket of an elite player. While the 20-year-old striker might be the ideal replacement for Aguero, City has announced they’re out of the race, to sign Norway’s prodigy striker.
This might come as a surprise, with Manchester City viewed in a similar light to Paris Saint-Germain, with an unlimited budget to sign the world’s best players.
However, after their recent scare, City will be wary of financial fair play. This might lead them to sign a more realistic Premier League striker, Danny Ings.
On top of this, City recently signed Ruben Dias for a club-record fee of £64 million.
Interestingly, Dias joined City a year after Vincent Kompany. This shows the club are willing to be patient to get their desired player for the right price.
This isn’t to say City don’t spend a lot of money, they certainly do. Although Manchester City has never spent more than £100 million on one player, like many of their European competitors. Instead, the club signs several players every summer for a similar price, guaranteeing squad depth, meaning they can compete for multiple trophies.
Can Manchester City Retain Form Without Replacing Sergio Aguero?
The last gasp goal for the 2012 Premier League title alone, made Aguero a Manchester City legend, let alone his countless goals which contributed to numerous trophies.
Yet at 32, Aguero’s role in the City team has dwindled. With the Argentine, often missing from the starting line-up this season. It’s fair to say Aguero’s had a long-winded farewell campaign.
Most Premier League clubs would suffer immensely at losing a goalscoring great. However, even with Aguero rarely playing this season, City is still in with a chance of winning the quadruple.
It’s been a trial season, one which will make City realise they do not need to panic buy a replacement for Aguero.
Although not an elite striker, Gabriel Jesus has shown he’s capable of leading the line.
Guardiola made the most of playing with a false nine at Barcelona, with the position often reserved for Lionel Messi. Operating with this tactic has become prominent in the blue side of Manchester. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne have all led the attack. The false nine is supported by wingers, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. While Ferran Torres will be expected to grow in his role at the club.
A club should sign players to stay ahead of their opposition. However, the rule doesn’t necessarily apply to City. With an array of talented attacking players. City has created a system that will likely bring them success for years to come.
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