Erling Haaland is one of the hottest prospects in world football right now. His unbelievable goal-scoring record is turning the heads of many big clubs in Europe. Haaland burst on to the scene with his scintillating performance in the Champions League for the Austrian club FC Red Bull Salzburg in the first half of 19/20 season. He scored 8 goals in just 6 appearances in the UCL. Haaland made the switch to Bundesliga by joining Borussia Dortmund in the very same 19/20 season’s winter transfer window. Impressively, Dortmund secured the services of the Norwegian international for just €20m (£17m) by beating the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and such similar big European clubs. Haaland introduced himself at his new club in a marvellous fashion by scoring 16 goals in 18 matches in the second half of the 19/20 season. Haaland is showing no signs of slowing down as he has scored 16 goals in just 12 appearances this season for the German side. He was also named the winner of the Golden Boy award for 2020 for his stellar performance.
However, there has been a lot of speculation that this could be his last season for Borussia Dortmund as Haaland has his eyes set out for the UCL trophy. It would be a big blow for Dortmund and a huge gain for the many interested clubs if that happens. Let’s look at the top 5 best-suited clubs for Erling Haaland to achieve his UCL dream.
1. Manchester City
Manchester City for the past few years have played some of the best-attacking football the world has ever seen. But this season the story has been a little different for the Sky Blues as they have been struggling to put the ball in the net and have managed to score just 21 goals in 14 games. Meanwhile, their primary rivals Liverpool have managed to score 37 goals in 16 games. The main reason for such a drought of goals is the absence of their main striker Sergio Aguero. Aguero has only 4 appearances this season due to his knee injury two of those appearances have been as a substitute. Gabriel Jesus has also been in and out of form which has only added to City’s attacking problems.
Haaland would perfectly fit in Pep Guardiola’s side with his pace and finishing skills. Just imagine Haaland getting behind Kevin De Bruyne’s crosses. It would be a true feast for the eyes of all football fans. As Aguero is in the last year of his contract, it would be perfect for City to replace the club legend with the high-flying striker.
2) Manchester United
Apart from Edinson Cavani who was just signed at the start of this season, there is no proper central striker available at the club. Cavani is already 33 years old and will be 34 in February and therefore it is no secret that he was not signed as a long term solution but as a short fix. Anthony Martial’s form is a constant worry since he has failed to be consistent for quite some time now. Haaland being just 20 years old would be a great addition for the future. Ole likes his team to play quick counter-attack and Haaland with his pace would be very efficient for the Reds. No opposition team would be able to handle the pace of Haaland, Rashford, Martial and Greenwood. Haaland would definitely boost the chances of bringing back UCL glory to Old Trafford.
3) Barcelona
With the departure of Luis Suarez this season there are big shoes to fill for Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite at the club. But both the forwards have been inconsistent throughout the season which has only increased the pressure on the club captain Lionel Messi to deliver at vital moments. There have always been grand expectations from Lionel Messi but this season there is an extra bit of pressure for him to perform at his best because of Suarez’s transfer. If Barcelona manages to secure the signing of the 20-year-old, he will be able to provide a new dimension in the attacking department for the club. Haaland would provide that extra edge in the knockout stages of the Champions League that Barcelona have lacked in the past four years. He would definitely relieve some pressure from the star man Lionel Messi which would also help the Argentine to perform at his best.
4) Real Madrid
For the past 11 years, Karim Benzema has been the lone permanent striker for the Spanish Giants. But with Benzema turning 33 recently and both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz not living up to expectations, there is an urgent need for Madrid to sign a new striker as soon as possible. Haaland would love to get behind the famous crosses of the Madrid fullbacks of which Cristiano Ronaldo made full use of when he was at the club for 9 years. Madrid has always opted for players who are physically strong for their centre forward position. This profile fits perfectly for Haaland as he is physically strong and can keep hold of the ball while the pacy wingers make the move. It would totally make sense if Haaland chooses to join the most successful club in the UCL to achieve his dream of winning the same trophy.
5) Liverpool
Imagine seeing the trio of Mane, Salah and Haaland running towards goalside. It would be any defender’s worst nightmare. Haaland with a few tweaks would easily fit into the ideology of Klopp’s Gegenpressing. His physical attributes would definitely help him survive in the Premier League. His height advantage will also be well utilized due to the constant precise crosses from Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson. With Liverpool now being placed as firm favourites for Champions League every year, it would be no surprise if Haaland chooses to join the Reds next season.
Conclusion
After seeing the performance and impact of Erling Haaland for the German club in just 12 months, it is clear that the 20-year-old is ready for the next big step. It is no secret that it would be a big blow to Borussia Dortmund if Haaland decides to move on next year but the club will for sure charge some big bucks for any team who tries to secure the services of their star forward. Erling Haaland is a perfect all-round striker who can dominate any league and it would be a great addition to any team who manages to sign him.
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