Alfe-Inge Haaland has explained that his son Erling might not be in England for long enough to become the all-time Premier League top scorer.
The Norwegian has enjoyed a stunning start to life with Manchester City following his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund. He already has 14 Premier League goals to his name, having broken the record for the lowest number of games (eight) to reach three hat-tricks.
Haaland’s stunning form has led to suggestions that he could potentially even challenge Alan Shearer for his all-time goalscorers record. Despite still having 246 goals to go to match the former Newcastle United man, former striker Michael Owen can’t see a reason why the 22-year-old cannot reach those levels.
Speaking on the Pitchside podcast, the ex-Liverpool and Manchester United star said: "I would say so [Haaland can break Shearer’s record]. If he’s having success and if the Premier League remains the strongest then I would say so and it’s amazing isn’t it? He’s been in the Premier League a matter of weeks and we’re already talking about Alan Shearer’s record already."
Despite those claims, Haaland’s Dad Alfe-Inge has hinted that the striker might not stay at Man City long enough to go anywhere close to Shearer’s record haul. Speaking on the documentary 'Haaland: The Big Decision', he suggested that his son may only stay at the Etihad for a couple of seasons.
Could Erling Haaland really break Alan Shearer's record? Have your say in the comments below
"I think Erling wants to prove his abilities in all leagues,” Haaland senior said. “Then he can stay there [Manchester City] for three or four years at the most.
“He could be, for example, two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half years in England and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?"
Haaland originally penned a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium having arrived in a big-money switch from Dortmund but there are already suggestions that clubs elsewhere in Europe could potentially be aiming to poach the striker away from the reigning Premier League champions.
Chief among those is Spanish giants Real Madrid who are reportedly already putting together a plan to tempt the striker to the Santiago Bernabeu. It is suggested that Los Blancos are plotting on activating a €200m (£174m) release clause that will become active in Haaland’s contract in 2024.
However, Pep Guardiola ’s men are attempting to rebuff their attempts with it being suggested that City are ‘already working on a new deal’ for Haaland following his electric start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
In the meantime the striker will be attempting to extend his stunning recent run as City continue their Champions League group stage fixtures against Danish giants FC Copenhagen on Wednesday evening.
