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Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland rose to prominence in his incredible 2019-20 season with RB Salzburg. Then, at just 18 years old, the Norwegian sensation set the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League alight with his goalscoring exploits.
He scored 16 goals and assisted six in just 14 appearances in the league for Salzburg. In the Champions League, the prodiguos forward scored eight goals and assisted one in just six group stage games. It earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2020 for €20 million.
Erling Haaland has scored 30 or more goals in consecutive campaigns, doing so in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Erling Haaland is one of the most sought after strikers in world football
His incredible record with Dortmund has seen his value skyrocket, with several European giants interested in signing him. Although Haaland's contract expires in 2024, clubs already have one eye on his situation. Dortmund have reportedly asked him to announce a decision on his future soon as it is keeping their plans in limbo.
That said, let's take a look at the five clubs Erling Haaland can join in 2022.
#5 Manchester United
Manchester United are a club currently in turmoil. Having sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, the club are desperate to steady the ship this season. They are currently seventh in the Premier League with 32 points, 24 adrift of leaders Manchester City and five adrift of the Champions League places.
The Red Devils have an aging strike force in Cristiano Ronaldo (36) and Edinson Cavani (34). Hence, they will have their eyes peeled on an option for the future. Anthony Martial (25) is seeking a loan move away from the club in search of more game-time.
Manchester United are a side that desperately needs a driving force and the Norwegian's signing can be one. At 21, Haaland could prove to be the ideal solution. His pace, power and strength up front will ease pressure off United's midfield. Haaland is ideally built for the physicality of the Premier League and could be perfect for United.
Putting him in the same dressing room as Ronaldo will also help with the mental aspects of his game. It is inevitable that he will be inspired by one of the greats of the game.
The Norwegian's transfer fee, too, doesn't seem like a hurdle for Manchester United, who are more than capable of splashing the cash.
#4 Chelsea
Chelsea's 2021-22 Premier League season has been a roller-coaster ride for their fans, and pure entertainment for neutrals.
They began the campaign extremely well, building on their triumph in the UEFA Champions League the previous season. Chelsea were on top of the Premier League table until November. Since then, they seem to have lost their way after injuries to key players, controversies and poor performances.
Blockbuster signing Romelu Lukaku, who joined the club for around £90 million from Inter Milan last summer, has yet to fully impress. Meanwhile, Timo Werner has been playing like a youth striker unsure of his true position.
Haaland could be the ideal solution for the Blues. His ability to drive forward and be the focal point of the attack and create his own chances at times can be ideal for Chelsea's style of play.
His fee should not be an issue either, with Blues owner Roman Abramovich keen to bring the Norwegian to West London.
#3 FC Barcelona
Barcelona have had some of the worst luck with new signings in the past few years. After spending astronomical sums on Ousmane Dembele (£135m) and Philippe Coutinho (£142m), many believed the squad was ready to compete. However, Barca are still far from it.
They recently brought in Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero to bolster their attacking options. However, the former has struggled for form and has not been able to score in streaks. Aguero, on the other hand, was forced to retire from the sport following cardiac complications.
It is widely known that Barca are desperate for a striker and would prefer a younger, long-term option. Haaland has emerged as the frontrunner for the move. People have also drawn comparisons between his superstar status and Barcelona's mega-club reputation.
Regardless of how good a fit this move seems on paper, getting it done is near impossible for Blaugrana. They have struggled with finances for over two years now and it was also part of the reason they let Lionel Messi leave the club last summer.
It could give other clubs an advantage should Haaland's transfer saga continue for longer.
#2 Real Madrid
Florentino Perez made a return as Real Madrid president in 2009 after being forced to step down in 2006 following a 'failed policy' of accumulating superstar players in Real Madrid's 'Galacticos' era. As soon as he returned, he declared:
"Galacticos failed in the past. We go again."
Since then, Real Madrid have stuck to the strategy and signed a marquee player each year. In 2009 alone, they signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka and Xabi Alonso. The club runs with the goal of winning trophies.
Fast forward 12 years from the president's return, Real Madrid are contending for La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. However, with main striker Karim Benzema already 34, future investments are key now.
It seems like the perfect time to invest in Haaland, who is 21 years old. However, Real Madrid's ambitions to pursue Kylian Mbappe along with the Norwegian could see them sacrifice the pursuit of one. As things stand, Mbappe is likelier to join Los Blancos.
#1 Manchester City
Manchester City are one of the best-coached teams in Europe. They play the best possession football and are surprisingly tight at the back in defense as well. Under Pep Guardiola, they have won the Premier League in three of the last four seasons. With a 13-point lead at the summit currently this season, the Cityzens look all set to make it four in five.
However, they have a case of a missing piece from their ideal XI. Since Sergio Aguero's departure last summer, City have failed to find an adequate replacement. The Argentine is City's all-time record scorer with 260 goals.
Haaland seems like a player who has the footballing as well as the mental ability to step into Aguero's boots. His hold-up play will help bring City's supremely talented midfielders into the game more often, increasing their chances of scoring. Haaland is a physical phenomenon who can hold his own in a physically demanding Premier League.
The Norwegian's transfer fee should not be a stumbling block either, as City are more than good for the cash. Another major point in their favor is that Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Manchester City. The youngster could very well have a soft spot for the club and may join them over other options.
