Manchester City finalize Erling Haaland deal as Kylian Mbappe close to exit from PSG

Close to landing Erling Haaland this summer, Manchester City will have a clear path to signing the Borussia Dortmund striker if Real Madrid complete the signing of Kylian Mbappe.

ity are ready to trigger Haaland’s £62.25m (€75m) release clause when the June transfer window opens and Real are their only competition, although Spanish leaders have prioritized Mbappe’s arrival as he is available on a free transfer and this probably won’t be the case sign both players.

Pep Guardiola revealed last month that City intends to buy a striker after missing out on Harry Kane last year when a deal could not be struck with Tottenham.

Haaland, 21, is top of City’s list and personal terms over wages in excess of £400,000 (€480,000) a week will not be a stumbling block. City will be listening to offers for players on loan or on the fringes of the squad to try to balance their books. The City manager was asked about the Haaland deal ahead of his team’s Premier League game against Brighton tonight but insisted his focus is on this season.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future,” he said. “I have no qualms or business on my mind at the moment thinking about what’s going to happen at this club next season.”

Mbappe has been Real’s main target as they face City in the Champions League semifinals when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.

Haaland’s father Alf Inge, a former City midfielder, played a key role in shaping his son’s career, which has taken him from Molde in Norway to Red Bull Salzburg and then to Dortmund.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]