May 10, (THEWILL) – When it comes to Erling Haaland’s impending move to Manchester City, Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, made no apologies in insisting that the player’s motivation was mainly financial.
As THEWILL reported, Haaland accepted personal terms on a summer transfer to the Etihad Stadium on Monday. City are likely to activate the Norwegian’s £64 million release clause after beating off competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign the prolific 21-year-old.
Despite Xavi’s efforts to promote the concept of playing for a club of Barcelona’s stature, the Catalan club eventually dropped out, due to financial constraints of their own and spending limits imposed by La Liga.
After hearing of Haaland’s probable move to Man City, it was evident that the striker’s refusal to accept Barca’s offer had left a sour taste in the head coach’s mouth, who questioned the striker’s motivations in the imminent move to the Etihad.
Xavi said: “I will not disrespect other projects. We don’t have the only valid project. There are many other successful ones, including City. They have titles and great results and they are great competitors.
“However, in the end, if the move happens, it would be primarily for financial reasons. I have no doubt about that.”
After being granted leave to ‘take care of personal matters’ by Dortmund on Monday, Haaland’s move to Man City could be confirmed as soon as this week. He is said to have completed a medical in Belgium.
When everything is said and done, the centre-forward will be paid a base income equivalent to Kevin De Bruyne’s, plus bonuses, making him one of the club’s highest earners.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
