<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2022/05/11/incredible-stats-of-erling-haaland-as-norwegian-star-prepares-for-manchester-city-move/" target="_blank">Erling Haaland</a> officially became a <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/manchester-city/" target="_blank">Manchester City</a> player after the Premier League champions completed the signing of the Norwegian star from Borussia Dortmund. City announced last month that they had <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2022/05/10/manchester-city-confirm-deal-for-striker-erling-haaland/" target="_blank">agreed a deal</a> with the German club after triggering the 21-year-old striker's £51 million ($63m) release clause. Haaland has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium and will join Pep Guardiola's squad on July 1. His father, Alf-Inge, played for City in the Premier League from 2000-03 and Haaland supported the club as a kid. He posted images on social media of him wearing a City jersey as a young boy. Haaland is regarded as one of the hottest properties in the game after scoring 86 goals in 89 games in two-and-a-half seasons with Dortmund. And now, he will showcase his skills in England, the country of his birth. “This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons,” Haaland said in a statement. “You can't help but admire their style of play, it's exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me. “There are so many world-class players in this squad and Pep is one of the greatest managers of all time, so I believe I am in the right place to fulfil my ambitions. “I want to score goals, win trophies, and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here. This is a great move for me, and I can't wait to get started in pre-season.” The arrival of Haaland ends City's long search for a specialist centre forward after their attempts to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2021/08/25/harry-kane-staying-at-tottenham-as-attempts-to-join-manchester-city-fall-short/" target="_blank">did not materialise</a>. His first appearances for City could come in pre-season friendlies against Club America and Bayern Munich in the United States next month. City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “We have been monitoring Erling for several years now, so we are delighted to bring him here to Manchester City. “He is a huge talent and has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few seasons. His goalscoring record is exceptional and his performances at Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League in particular have proved he can succeed at the highest level. “Erling has everything we want in a striker, and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system. “His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him, and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep. This is a very exciting signing for our club.”
