Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'huge admirers' of striker amid Erling Haaland exit rumours

By Carter White | 15 June 2024

Man City 'huge admirers' of striker amid Erling Haaland exit rumours

Manchester City are reportedly keen on Girona marksman Artem Dovbyk, who could be a replacement for Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium in the near future.

Manchester City have reportedly identified a replacement for Erling Haaland should the prolific attacker leave the club in the near future.

Since making the high-profile switch from Borussia Dortmund to the Citizens during the summer of 2022, the 23-year-old has netted 90 goals in 98 competitive appearances for the English champions.

Despite only being part of Pep Guardiola's ranks for 24 months, Haaland has already lifted two Premier Leagues and a Champions League title on the blue side of Manchester.

Unlike the majority of top talent in football, the Norwegian will have the summer off after his country failed to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.

That being said, it is not as if Haaland fails to perform on the international stage, with the ex-Molde marksman scoring 31 goals in 33 matches for Norway's senior side.

Ukraine's Artem Dovbyk in action with Malta's Enrico Pepe on October 17, 2023 © Reuters

Man City line up La Liga striker as Haaland replacement?

According to HITC, Manchester City have already commenced their planning for life when Haaland is no longer tearing up the scene at the Etihad.

The Citizens reportedly are eyeing up a move in the future for Girona striker Artem Dovbyk, who is coming off the back of a sensational term in Spain.

Dovbyk netted 24 goals and provided eight assists in 36 La Liga matches, meaning that he earned the Golden Boot while firing his side to Champions League qualification.

It is understood that fellow Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid are currently in talks with Girona over the signing of Dovbyk, however Man City could strike for the attacker in the future.

With Girona and Man City both part of the same ownership group, it is possible that Michel's side include a buy-back clause in a potential deal with Atletico in order to eventually bring the Ukrainian to Manchester when desired.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manuel Akanji look dejected after the match on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

Happy Haaland?

Having won the Premier League title and Golden Boot in successive campaigns, it is hard to imagine why there is even transfer speculation surrounding Haaland.

However, due to the enormous talent of the 23-year-old, he essentially has the right to choose his next destination, given that his potential employers can afford the deal.

It is believed that a £170m release clause in Haaland's contract will be available to trigger next summer, when Guardiola could also be departing the Etihad.

That being said, the Norwegian is, by his agent's admission, 'happy' at Man City currently, meaning that a move away in this window appears to be off the cards.