Pep Guardiola has been warned Erling Haaland might not guarantee goals in his first season at Manchester City as comparisons with Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku are made.
After being priced out of a swoop for England captain Harry Kane last summer, key figures responsible for transfers at the Etihad Stadium turned their attentions to Haaland and have now got their man. City have agreed a £51million deal with Borussia Dortmund over his summer arrival.
Haaland, 21, has emerged as one of the most deadly strikers in Europe during his spell in Germany with a staggering 86 goals in 89 games before his impending £51million move to the Premier League. It comes 12 months after Chelsea splashed out £97.5million on former Manchester United and Inter Milan player Lukaku.
READ MORE: Erling Haaland pictured jetting into Manchester to complete Man City transfer
However, that return switch to the UK has not gone entirely according to plan as things stand. Indeed, the Belgian only netted eight goals in 26 games this season - and that has been offered up as a red flag to City.
Speaking as part of a promotion for Boyle Sports, former Liverpool favourite Vladimir Smicer said: "It looks like City will be even stronger with [Erling] Haaland, but I thought the same when [Romelu] Lukaku joined Chelsea.
"In the end didn't happen, so we'll see how he'll settle at City. It's a different league, different pressure and different style, so we'll see - but I still believe Liverpool are getting stronger and stronger and will challenge for the title next season."
Earlier this month, City announced their agreement in principle to sign Haaland in time for next season. Since then, he has jetted into Manchester to compete the move. It is understood the Norway striker could be publicly unveiled over the next few days.
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