Man City decide on ‘Haaland replacement’ but European giants could spoil ’emergency’ £100m ‘plan’
According to reports, Manchester City have ‘chosen’ Brighton and Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson as their ideal ‘replacement’ for Erling Haaland.
The Norway international has (unsurprisingly) proven to be a sensational signing for the treble-winners. He has scored 58 goals in his first 59 appearances for the Premier League and European champions across all competitions.
Man City should cherish Haaland while he is with the club because it seems likely that he will sign for Real Madrid at some point in the next few years.
A huge void will be left when/if Haaland leaves Man City and it will be difficult to replace him. Earlier this week, it was claimed that they ‘want to buy’ Ferguson to play alongside the 23-year-old.
Ferguson has made a big impact for Brighton over the past year and he’s scored ten goals in his first 24 Premier League appearances for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Despite it being claimed that Pep Guardiola wants Ferguson to play alongside Haaland, Spanish outlet Fichajes are reporting that the Brighton starlet has been ‘chosen’ as the City forward’s ‘replacement’.
It is indicated that a new contract is ‘on the table’ for Haaland but he ‘will have to decide’ whether he wants to extend his deal or pursue a ‘change of scenery for the 2024/25 season’. This is despite the forward officially being under contract with City until 2027.
Man City are seemingly planning for life without Haaland as they have hatched an ’emergency plan thinking about Ferguson as a luxury replacement’.
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Ferguson’s reputation will continue to increase if he keeps scoring goals at an impressive rate for Brighton and it was recently reported that Arsenal are preparing to make a £100m move for him in 2024.
Man City and Arsenal will likely face competition in the race to sign Ferguson, with Nacional reporting that the Brighton man is ‘on Real Madrid’s agenda’.
The report also claims that Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Sesko are being monitored by Real Madrid, with them intending to strengthen in attacking areas.
Real Madrid are said to be ‘aware’ that Ferguson and Sesko ‘will not be cheap’ but these deals would be ‘far removed from what it may cost to sign Haaland or Mbappe’.
After Ferguson netted a hat-trick against Newcastle last weekend, De Zerbi claimed that the youngster “can be the top scorer in Europe”.
“He understood that position very well. He’s working to complete his qualities, which is not only to score,” De Zerbi said.
“He can become big, big, big. His qualities are enough to become a great player.
“He can be the top scorer in Europe. Born in 2004, no? I don’t know how many young players score this type of goal in their career.”
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