Former Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has warned Manchester City that signing Erling Haaland “might disrupt them” next season.
It was reported earlier this week that the Borussia Dortmund striker had agreed terms with City ahead of a £63m summer move. The 21-year-old, who has a release clause in his contract, has earned a stellar reputation across Europe, having scored 82 goals in 85 games for the Bundesliga club.
However, ex-England international Lambert has suggested that Haaland may not be an instant fit in Pep Guardiola’s side. In fact, the 40-year-old believes the transfer could hand the Reds a potential boost in next season’s title race, even though he doesn't think it will stay that way permanently.
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"I think the way City play, I'm not too sure a big centre-forward will be good for them,” Lambert told talkSPORT . “It might take them a while to get used to a new way of playing with them. I think it might disrupt them a little bit.
"If one of these teams gets ahead early doors next season, it's very hard these days for the other team to catch them. So, I think it could be a little advantage [for Liverpool].
"But I think in a year's time Man City are going to be unstoppable. Because he [Haaland] will be settled in and it's just going to be unfair. It's unfair that they're bringing in these players every year, unbelievable players. But that Jurgen Klopp is not only able to keep up with them (City) but get the better of them many times is unbelievable."
Manchester City did attempt to sign Harry Kane last summer but saw their approaches turned down by Tottenham Hotspur. Having failed to sign the England captain, Guardiola has opted for a fluid front three this season, with Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus all occupying a false nine position at various points.