How Pep Guardiola’s career stance will affect Erling Haaland’s immediate future as European giants circle



There is still a degree of uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City, and that’s likely to have a direct impact on what Erling Haaland will do next.

The Norwegian has continued the sensational form he displayed at RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund in the Premier League, and has already notched over 100 goals in the English top-flight.

Erling Haaland’s future plans should Pep Guardiola leave Man City

Though Kevin de Bruyne might be considered the talisman for Guardiola’s swashbucklers, there’s little doubt that Haaland’s incessant rate of scoring has been a major factor in the club’s recent successes, including a first-ever Champions League and only the second-ever treble of UCL, FA Cup and Premier League by an English club.

There’s a cogent argument that Haaland and his team-mates have little to prove at the club at this point, and that gives rise to the notion that the centre-forward might look to conquer yet another league as the next stage in his career.

Erling Haaland is being courted by both Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

According to TeamTalk, it would take a world record bid to tempt Man City into selling the player, were he not to show any interest in extending his current deal.

The outlet also mention the attention of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, who would appear keen to cash in because of the uncertainty not just over Guardiola’s position but also what might happen to City if they’re found guilty of any of the 115 charges levelled against them.

Indeed, Barca would apparently do anything to land him.


 

What’s interesting is Haaland’s own stance on the current situation, as TeamTalk suggest that he isn’t wedded to Guardiola in the sense that should the manager leave, it won’t necessarily follow that he will too.

Clearly, if Pep does leave – and Man City have identified their preferred target – much will depend on who the club decide to bring in as his replacement, and where Haaland believes the club are destined to be over the next five years, as he approaches his peak period as a player.