’40 to 50 goals per season’ – Player backed to shine if he moves to Man City, all down to ‘Pinocchio’ Pep

Manchester City will need to address a striker signing in the summer after confirming Sergio Agüero’s exit at the end of the season.

The Citizens are one of the clubs maintaining an interest in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

His impressive statistics with the Bundesliga side this season, 33 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, has reportedly caught the attention of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, along with ex-Sheffield United forward Jan Åge Fjørtoft , have been interviewed by SportBild.

The interview focused around the Norway international, who will reportedly cost in excess of €100m in the next market.

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Guardiola has suggested the Etihad club will not invest heavily in strengthening their attack. Hamann was quizzed about the former Barcelona manager’s comments in relation to the possibility of Manchester City signing Haaland.

“The question is whether Pep even wants Haaland and whether he suits City? Guardiola sent Ibrahimović away in Barcelona and Mandžukić in Munich. And he let Lewandowski play some of the piano,” Hamann said.

“I don’t see a classic Pep striker in Haaland, although with the multitude of chances in every game at City, he would certainly score 40 to 50 goals per season. And financially: if City really wants the player, then they can afford him.”

Fjørtoft, however, isn’t buying what Guardiola publicly stated in the press conference weeks ago about the potential Haaland signing.

“I agree with you, Didi. But, Pep has changed his style of play in the meantime, and now he does it without some possession of the ball. I could already imagine Haaland in his system,” Fjørtoft explained.

“When I saw Pep’s press conference, I thought Walt Disney had risen and revived Pinocchio, Guardiola seriously says that the club a) has no real interest in him, b) not enough money and c) they are great players in the academy – help!” 

“I am shocked that there are people who really believed him. The Pep Guardiola, who has spent more money than any other coach in recent years, under whom so many talents have never left City.”

Haaland has received the backing to make a switch to City since he would excel in Guardiola’s system at the Etihad. Whether or not he will join the Manchester club remains to be seen.