Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a straightforward challenge to potential suitors of striker Erling Haaland, urging them to pick up the phone and inquire about the possibility of a deal.
Real Madrid has a longstanding interest in Haaland, and there have been speculations that they might pursue the Norwegian striker either as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe or in conjunction with the Frenchman.
Reports from Spain have gone as far as suggesting Haaland’s dissatisfaction with life in Manchester, with frequent holidays in Marbella cited as ‘evidence’ supporting this claim.
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Guardiola, responding to these reports, dismissed their impact, stating, “For one report… is it going to change something? It’s not going to happen. It’s going to happen when Erling decides to extend the contract or not, when the club decides to extend the contract or not, when we have potential offers for him or not.”
He emphasized the simplicity of the process, saying, “If someone wants Erling, it’s easy – phone. Call Man City and ask. So that is what we do when we want to sign someone. It’s not complicated.”
Guardiola expressed his focus on the team’s objectives and encouraged the players to ignore media speculation. Regarding Haaland’s future, he emphasized City’s desire to keep the striker for a long time and dismissed the idea of entertaining discussions about his departure.
“We want him [to stay] for a long, long time in this club. We are in love with him,” Guardiola stated. While unaware of ongoing contract talks, he emphasized the player’s impact and the club’s happiness with him. Guardiola acknowledged that the future is uncertain but reiterated their joy in having Haaland on the team.
“We are happy to have him. Hopefully, he is happy to be with us. That is what we know. The rest, I don’t know. We can’t control what the people say,” Guardiola concluded.