Erling Haaland transfer news: Xavi fires away with ‘no doubt’ jibe at Man City coup amid new revelation

Barcelona boss Xavi took a swipe at Erling Haaland when explaining the only reason why he’d join Man City instead of moving to the Camp Nou.

The Norwegian hitman, 21, appears on course to become Manchester City’s next centre-forward. Haaland reportedly completed a medical in Brussels on Monday after being afforded time off by Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland is believed to hold a release clause within his contract worth around £64m pending the exchange rate. However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Man City may in fact be getting the frontman for less than first thought.

Romano tweeted City have told Dortmund they will activate the clause, though claimed it is ‘closer to €60m (£51.4m) than €75m (£64m)’.

Haaland’s potential arrival would coincide with that of Argentine Julian Alvarez. City’s frontline will have a very different look next year with their days of playing a False 9 seemingly over.

Signing Haaland will be a real coup for Pep Guardiola’s side, especially at that price. The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona were in the mix for the striker who has operated at a goal-per-game in Germany.

Now, speaking ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo, Xavi had his say on why Barcelona have lost out.

Xavi in “no doubt” about City transfer

Xavi reiterated his desire to be respectful to both Haaland and City. Though he couldn’t resist taking a cheeky swipe at the player.

In doing so, he insisted he has “no doubt” that the primary reason why Haaland would choose City over Barca is a financial one.

“I will not disrespect other projects,” he said (via the Express).

“We don’t have the only valid project. There are many other successful ones, including City. They have titles and great results and they are great competitors.

“However, in the end, if the move happens, it would be primarily for financial reasons. I have no doubt about that.”

How will Haaland fare at Man City?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recently stated signing Haaland would take City to “new levels”. However, recent history would suggest Haaland may take at least one year to adapt.

Indeed, the list of major signings City made that struggled in their first year is a long one.

Jack Grealish is the latest, with the ex-Villa talisman little more than a squad player this year despite costing a British record £100m.

Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Joao Cancelo too took a full year to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s intricate and detail-intensive demands. The wait was very much worthwhile in regards to that trio.

Haaland has operated at around a goal-per-game in Germany. Though that type of ratio may take a year or two to replicate at the Etihad.

Regardless, with his best years ahead and joining a team that creates chances for fun, there is little doubt Haaland will be a roaring success in time.