Manchester City have been warned by Borussia Dortmund's fans about Erling Haaland's injury-prone nature ahead of a potential summer move.
The Norwegian star is arguably the hottest property in football and City look to have stolen a march in the race to sign the forward. Pep Guardiola has operated without a recognised forward for almost two seasons with a false 9 system employed. City made moves to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham in the summer, but saw their bids knocked back.
Haaland now looks to be their focus with his £63m release clause at the Bundesliga side set to be triggered. A five-year deal worth around £500,000-a-week is thought to have been tabled. City spent big last summer, adding Jack Grealish for £100m - a new British record.
However, the former Aston Villa man is still getting up to speed under Guardiola at the Etihad and has been very much a squad player this term. City have now been warned that their investment in Haaland could prove to be worse than that of the Grealish deal, with the forward regularly absent due to injury.
One fan said on social media: "Oh dear he will become a bigger flop than Grealish, since his injury he hasn’t been the same, maybe he will be for man city but I doubt that." Another added: "All jokes aside he’s an insane talent but 500k a week for him esp[ecially] considering his injury record is insane."
Another fan took aim at the player's entourage, saying: "30m per year for ghosting and being injured while 'team Haaland' is talking s**t the whole time." Haaland is represented by super agent Mino Raiola, who has spoken negatively about Guardiola in the past.
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The Dortmund star has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United such has been his rapid rise. Since moving to the German side in January 2020, Haaland has scored 82 times in 85 games and has excelled on the Champions League stage.
However, his injury record has been an issue. The player has struggled with knee and muscle problems whilst in Germany. He has twice missed seven consecutive games - the first occasion was due to a torn muscle fibre and he sat out for a lengthy period this term as he struggled with his hip flexor. Since October 21 Haaland has missed 14 games due to an accrued absence of almost ten weeks.
The player's injuries meant he missed Dortmund's Europa League games with Rangers earlier this term as the Scottish side secured a surprise victory across the two legs. City waved goodbye to record goalscorer Sergio Aguero in the summer.
