All of Europe’s elite teams were interested in signing the prolific Norwegian striker as it became clear that he will leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. The eventual winner of that contest was Premier League champions City, who have seen Haaland score 27 goals in 24 games for them. A player already on their roster at the time, who called himself “agent Mahrez” helped to force through a £51 million ($62 million) move. Mahrez was one of the players to convince Haaland to join City.
Mahrez talks convinced Haaland to join Manchester City
Speaking to CityTV about bumping into Mahrez during a vacation in Mykonos during the summer of 2021, Haaland said:
“We didn’t speak a lot but you said that I should come to City and it was a good atmosphere. And this, for me, is really important in the team is the atmosphere that you enjoy every day. You just said a little bit and for me that was enough.”
Mahrez added of his involvement in the Haaland movement:
“I don’t think I need to convince [new signings] because everyone wants to play for a club like City. Like you said before about the atmosphere, the club, the team, the dressing room. We’ve got a top team, top lads, and that’s the most important thing.”
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Haaland’s importance in City’s squad
Thanks to Mahrez, the addition of Haaland to City has given Pep Guardiola another experienced No. 9, making the Citizens a more potent attacking force in 2022–2023. However, the Premier League champions’ uncharacteristic struggles with consistency have caused them to fall eight points behind their rivals in the race for domestic supremacy this season.
Haaland has failed to score in each of his past three City matches, an uncommon occurrence for him. He will return to action on Thursday when City hosts Tottenham.
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