Football is a money game, and the wealthiest club gets the biggest players. It is what it is and does not look to change anytime soon. Old money is struggling to stay in the game while new money is flexing its muscles and looking to control the scene.
The football money game is now lopsided, with the new club owners distorting the landscape and creating an unbalanced playing field. Clubs like Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and recently Newcastle United are the guilty parties. The new club owners have pockets deep enough to embarrass the traditional heavyweights of European football.
How can clubs that run on the football business compete with state-owned clubs with an almost limitless purse? It is a question for FIFA and UEFA to answer as Financial Fair Play seems to have gone to hell in a handbasket.
If it was about money, then the other clubs might wait for the state-owned clubs to have their pickings before they move into the market. The competition is tough and not getting easier.
The battle for the services of one of Europe’s brightest stars in on and reports suggests it is tilted in favour of Manchester City. Erling Haaland is undoubtedly one of the finest in the game currently and sought after by many clubs, but Manchester City seems to be ahead of the others in the quest for his signature.
Haaland to leave Dortmund
It is almost a given that Erling Haaland would leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The Norwegian striker is the beautiful bride sought by many, and according to a report by journalist Christian Falk, Dortmund is resigned to losing the forward to Manchester City.
Erling Haaland has a €75m release clause in his contract. It is a figure that is not inhibiting to most clubs and has pushed Manchester City to move quickly in securing the signature of the 21-year-old forward for the summer.
According to a report by German outlet BILD - to complete the signing of Haaland, the buyer must first signify they will put the money into Dortmund’s account by April 30. Dortmund would also require a written confirmation from Haaland to trigger the clause.
Manchester City’s attacking dilemma
Last summer, Manchester City pursued Tottenham striker Harry Kane. The Mancunian club was in need of a striker of repute but failed in their efforts to land the Englishman as Daniel Levy stuck to his guns, refusing to let Kane go.
City are back in the hunt for a striker. Gabriel Jesus (who now plays from the wings) is the only out and out striker Manchester City have. The Sky Blues are top of the Premier League table but have mainly played Phil Foden through the middle of their front three.
Guardiola is a fan of the false nine, but it seems he has changed as last summer showed with his pursuit of Kane. The Spaniard wants a pure striker in his squad and is bent on getting Haaland. Using a false nine has not been entirely successful, as shown in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, where the lack of a natural striker was obvious.
Real Madrid is also keen to sign the Norwegian striker but may lose out as City is offering Haaland wages that Los Blancos cannot match.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
