Manchester City consider Girona striker, Artem Dovbyk, as a signing for the future in case Erling Haaland decides to leave.
The Manchester Blues once lost a great striker in the form of Sergio Aguero. Moreover, Guardiola deemed the Argentinian to be ‘irreplaceable’. However, Haaland has gone a fair way in attempting to fill the hole left by the Argentinian’s departure.
Manchester City bought the Norwegian from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2 million. Since then the 23-year old striker has proven to be some signing for the Citizens. City believe that Haaland may leave the Etihad in pursuit of glory elsewhere. Henceforth, the Manchester Blues are keen to equip themselves with proper replacements in case the Norwegian plans to leave.
Needless to say, Julian Alvarez could be a great replacement. However, the world cup winning Argentinian may probably be more suited to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s role. Especially, since the 32-year old made it public that he is open to Saudi move. Moreover, Haaland’s role is much deeper and the forward is a pure goal scorer.
Replacing the poacher won’t be easy for Guardiola and City. But, City Football Group consider to use their affiliation with Girona and could set up a potential deal for Artem Dovbyk.
Erling Haaland’s importance to Manchester City
Haaland started to make a name for himself in Europe since his RB Salzburg days. Subsequently, the striker would win the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup in 2019.
Dortmund would poach the striker in 2019 from Salzburg ahead of Manchester United and Juventus. The Norwegian would score a hattrick on his Bundesliga debut. He would win the DFB Pokal with Dortmund in 2021. Additionally, he would also be named as the UEFA Champions League Forward of the Year for being the top scorer in 2021.
However, Haaland’s best was yet to come. The Norwegian’s first season with City was simply stunning! He would score 52 goals in 53 appearances for the Manchester Blues leading them to their first historic continental treble!
Moreover, he would win Player of the Year Awards by Premier League, IFFHS, UEFA, PFA, etc. in his first season at City. Despite being in probably the most competitive football league, the 23-year old has netted 63 times in 66 appearances. His numbers are simply astonishing.
Furthermore, the Norwegian has 90 goals in 98 appearances for Manchester City. He has already scored 245 goals in 298 appearances in his club career. Furthermore, his international record is even more impressive. The striker has scored 31 goals in 33 caps for Norway.
Finding a consistent quality goal scorer like Haaland is not easy. He is simply a generational talent. Manchester City will be keen to retain him with his best years ahead of him.
Manchester City want Artem Dovbyk to replace Haaland
Erling Haaland’s exit from Etihad in the upcoming years is considered to be ‘guaranteed’. Especially, noting the fact that Haaland has refused to sign a contract that would remove a £170 million worth release clause, that comes into effect in the summer of 2025.
Consequently, it seems like Haaland wants to keep his options open for the future. However, same is the case with the Citizens. Manchester City consider Artem Dovbyk as a potential Haaland replacement. The Ukranian was an integral part of the Girona squad which was in title contention for the season in La Liga.
Moreover, the 26-year old striker ended the season by clinching the golden boot bagging 24 goals in the league this season. However, Chelsea are also interested in signing the Ukranian. Reports suggest that the Blues’ scout are keeping an eye on the Girona forward.
Moreover, Atletico Madrid are keen for securing Dovbyk move. Especially, since Alvaro Morata could be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano. Consequently, Manchester City are trying to induce some sort of buy-back clause that would let them buy the Ukranian in case Haaland leaves.
Although, Haaland currently seems content at the Etihad. However, nothing can be said with certainty regarding the Norwegian’s future!
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