Pep Guardiola Calls Erling Haaland’s Manchester City Exit Reports an ‘Honor’

Who wouldn’t wish to have Erling Haaland on their team? Europe’s toppest clubs including Real Madrid are interested in the Norwegian striker. Why wouldn’t they, considering that Haaland has plundered 50 goals in just 51 Premier League appearances? Despite being Manchester City‘s main source of goals, coach Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem to be bothered by Haaland potentially leaving the Sky Blues. In fact, he even seems to be proud of the news. Does Guardiola know something that we don’t?

Haaland has recently returned from his injury and is expected to be available for the clash against Brentford. With Man City trailing both Liverpool & Arsenal in the League, Guardiola will be hoping that the return of the number 9 will offer the push his side desperately needs in their quest for Premier League glory.

Guardiola cites the Erling Haaland reports as a ‘good job’ done

The veteran manager’s response to the latest Haaland news is puzzling, to say the least. When questioned on the same, he replied, “It’s not a surprise. If they really want them, it’s an honour for us. It means we did a good job and especially Erling Haaland in that case.” However, the truth of these reports is another matter altogether as per the Spaniard. Guardiola further added, “But is it true? I don’t know. It’s just to make a little bit of noise.”

A lot of foreign clubs have been interested in the record-breaking goalscorer. The key reason is a release clause of just $109 million, which is exclusive to non-English clubs. This is the reason why Real Madrid despite their long-term pursuit of Kylian Mbappe is still keen on him. Moreover, Haaland would also be an able replacement for Karim Benzema and would fill the striker void at Real Madrid.

Read More: Fabio Capello Reveals Why Real Madrid Should Sign Erling Haaland Despite Kylian Mbappe Being a ‘Better Footballer’

However, despite all the benefits of potentially signing the Norwegian, club legend Diego Lopez doesn’t fancy him. Lopez prefers Mbappe over Haaland.

Lopez wants Mbappe over Haaland, citing his ability to ‘contribute many things’

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez is firmly in the Mbappe camp. He said, “Between the two, I’ll take Mbappé. He is a player who could contribute many things to Real Madrid, although there are already great players in his position, and I don’t know what will happen.” 

However, the signing of the PSG star will bring up a ‘Vinicius Jr-sized ‘dilemma’. Firstly, both Vinicius & Mbappe play on the left flank. Moreover, Mbappe has rejected Madrid in the past while Vinicius has been one of the club’s best performers recently. What kind of message would it send to the dressing room if Vini is benched in favor of Kylian? Let us know in the comments below.

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