Jan Aage Fjortoft has suggested that Erling Haaland will join either Real Madrid or Manchester City instead of Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
In a conversation with ESPN, as relayed by Football-Espana, Jan Aage Fjortoft has claimed that the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window will be fought by two clubs. The former Norwegian forward turned journalist has suggested that Real Madrid or Manchester City will land the Borussia Dortmund striker instead of Barcelona.
Erling Haaland has transformed into a prolific marksman since joining Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020. The 21-year-old is now one of the best players in Europe, having scored goals for fun over the last two years.
The Norwegian international has a fantastic record of 80 goals and 21 assists in 79 appearances for Borussia Dortmund. And his exploits have not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City, setting their sights on him.
Jan Aage Fjortoft, a former Norwegian forward who has close relations with the Haaland family, has now come out to suggest that Barcelona could be behind Real Madrid and Manchester City in the race to sign the young striker. The footballer turned journalist has asserted that Real Madrid or Manchester City will land Haaland in the summer.
"Everything is between two clubs and I believe they are Real Madrid and Manchester City. I think Barcelona are more a possibility. Maybe it happens in the end, but, at this point in time, it’s between two clubs and two countries."
"I have the feeling that Real Madrid are ahead of Barcelona. What I do know is that the process they are in right now depends on a lot of details. In the end, Erling will have to make a decision."
Barcelona and Real Madrid have reportedly tabled offers to sign Haaland, but the financials involved in tying the 21-year-old down to a long-term contract could be beyond the former’s reach. On the other hand, Real Madrid might not face such problems in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City could be in the healthiest position to snap up the Borussia Dortmund striker, even though recent reports have claimed that they have cooled their interest in him. With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City all in need of signing a long-term striking solution, it will be interesting to see which club ends up securing his services.