Manchester City Chief Executive Meets Directly with Mino Raiola to Discuss Erling Haaland Transfer

Manchester City Director of Football – is said to have had a “direct meeting” with football super-agent Mino Raiola about the probable signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Sergio Agüero confirmed in early 2021 that he would leave Manchester City in the summer upon the expiration of his current contract and join La Liga heavyweights FC Barcelona.

The Argentine icon spent nearly a decade at the Etihad Stadium, winning five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and six League Cups – but most importantly, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

It is never simple to replace a player of that magnitude, as Manchester City discovered this summer.

Their lengthy chase of Tottenham striker Harry Kane finished with the striker committing his future to the club, but a last-ditch attempt to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo was thwarted when the Portuguese international returned to cross-town rivals Manchester United.

Since then, one individual has consistently been rumored to be at the top of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s wishlist: Erling Haaland.

For nearly two years, the Borussia Dortmund striker has been tearing up the Bundesliga, and his comparatively low €75 million release clause has attracted some of Europe’s most prestigious suitors.

Now, a big development has occurred in Manchester City’s pursuit of Haaland, with transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano reporting that Txiki Begiristain – the Etihad club’s Director of Football – met directly with Mino Raiola in Monaco regarding Haaland.

Pep Guardiola’s relationship with the super-agent is undoubtedly contentious, but it was rumoured last month that he was willing to put his differences aside in order to recruit the clinical forward.

Manchester City has a strong interest’ in the striker and are ‘very serious’ about signing him, according to Fabrizio Romano, although Barcelona also met with the agent on February 16th to discuss the 21-year-old.

While the current step in the tale is promising for Manchester City supporters, it is also necessary to note the level of interest emanating from the Real Madrid and Barcelona camps.

According to numerous sources, the Spanish duo will likely continue talks with Team Haaland and Manchester City in the coming months, as the Norwegian player’s representation negotiate the best offer.