KEY POINTS

  • Erling Haaland is set to sign a five-year deal with Man City
  • Haaland has scored 28 goals in 29 games this season
  • He is set to become City's second-highest earner

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has reacted to Erling Haaland's reported move to Manchester City.

Xavi said Haaland's move to Manchester City is "primarily for financial reasons," according to Spanish outlet Diario AS.

Manchester City have agreed to a $78 million transfer for Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, BBC Sport reported citing unnamed sources. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently. An official announcement is expected to take place in Germany in the coming days.

Haaland has also cleared his medical tests at Manchester City, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romando, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.

A number of clubs, including Barcelona, have been chasing the 21-year-old, who has established himself as one of the best in the current crop of soccer players. However, the Catalans had withdrawn from the race to secure the Norwegian striker due to their financial crisis.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been on a hunt for a striker as they have been without one since the departure of Sergio Aguero in 2021.

"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," said Xavi, who took over Barca's charge in the middle of the 2021-22 season.

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund reacts following their sides victory after the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Haaland, who is set to sign a five-year deal with the Etihad side, will not earn as much as Kevin de Bruyne but will be the club's second-highest earner, according to Romano. The 21-year-old Dortmund striker is expected to earn $463,000-a-week at Pep Guardiola's side.

The young forward has struggled with various injuries in the ongoing campaign. Haaland, who is currently out of action, has already missed 17 games due to injuries. In 29 competitive appearances for Dortmund in the 2021-22 campaign, Haaland has netted 28 goals and eight assists.

RELATED STORIES