Manchester City have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window so far with a host of new players joining the club. The Citizens are eager to challenge for the Premier League title again next season after finishing fourth last season and the rebuild is ongoing.
For now, Pep Guardiola is focusing on the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, with City opening up with a 2-0 win over Wydad, ahead a second clash against Al-Ain.
Amidst all the transfer chaos, there has been some shock speculation over Erling Haaland’s future, with Barcelona and Real Madrid rumoured to be on alert over the Norwegian striker.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has regularly ruled out a move for Haaland, but he recently claimed ‘nothing is impossible’ when asked about the 24-year-old.
Even Haaland was disappointed about last season as City struggled across all competitions and also lost out in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. Before labelling the campaign as ‘boring and not fun’.
However, it was a decent individual campaign for Haaland, as he scored 22 top-flight goals and finished only behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak in the EPL Golden Boot race.
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Recently, his father, Alfe-Inge Haaland, rubbished rumours linking him with a departure from Manchester, as he shared that his son is happy at the club.
“He’s happy. Now he’s focused on the Club World Cup and… yes, he’s happy,” Alfe-Inge told Marca.
“I think they are the favourites to win the tournament. We’re seeing some good games. I think they’re at least among the favourites. My son is very happy at Manchester City. Very happy.”
Haaland focused on the Club World Cup mission
The 24-year-old is clearly one of the most prolific goal scorers in world football, and Guardiola needs him to fire in the Club World Cup to stand a chance of lifting the trophy in July. He was introduced as a late substitute in the win over Wydad and is certain to start against Al-Ain.
Guardiola has also hinted that he will rotate his starting lineup and give chances to the other players. Hes also cautious over using Rodri and John Stones, who are both returning from long spells on the sidelines through injury. “In the next match, 10 new players will be lined up to try and win,” Guardiola said ahead of the game.
With Omar Marmoush leading the line for City against Wydad, it’s expected Haaland will be the chosen one this time for Guardiola.
City know a win will secure their qualification into the knockout round, where they will join already qualified duo Bayern Munich and Flamengo.
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