Unless you decided to take a break from the outside world on Tuesday, you’ll be aware that Manchester City all but announced the signing of Erling Haaland.
The Premier League leaders published a short statement saying an agreement had been reached with Borussia Dortmund regarding the Norwegian’s transfer and all that was left was sorting out the contract with the player.
That won’t be an issue, according to reports, but Foot Mercato in France are reporting the striker’s signing has ‘shaken the Manchester City dressing room’.
The French outlet explain the numbers that have been reported in the press about Haaland’s wages have annoyed more than one in Pep Guardiola’s squad, including some described as ‘loyal’ to the Spanish manager, as they now feel ‘less valued than the new recruit and aren’t hesitating to make it known’.
This all follows the signing of Jack Grealish, with the England international reportedly paid more than the likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez or Bernardo Silva, especially since his output this season hasn’t been great.
There’s a feeling he’s ‘benefitted from a certain leniency’ from Guardiola ‘in the eyes of some in the squad’, and Haaland’s arrival ‘adds to this feeling’ a few games from the end of the season.
It’s also felt ‘the timing of the announcement is a matter of concern’, with Manchester City still fighting for the Premier League title.
Another ‘consequence’ from the Haaland signing is that it will ‘incite other attacking elements to look elsewhere’, with Sterling and Gabriel Jesus named specifically.
Something to keep an eye on, but it seems that while it’s an exciting time to be a Manchester City fan, the signing has ruffled a few feathers within the club.
