How Haaland can fit in

CITY are confident of signing Erling Haaland this summer.

City have identified the Borussia Dortmund forward as the perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero after it was announced on Monday that the Argentine will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

When City bid farewell to the legend that is Aguero, it is expected Haaland will arrive, so here are a few ways in which Pep Guardiola’s side could line up if they are successful in their pursuit of the Dortmund star...

4-3-3 - Guardiola is synonymous with tinkering with City’s formation, although, despite the Catalan’s fluid tactical approach, the 4-3-3 system has been used in 50 per cent of the Blues’ fixtures across all competitions this season.

This formation could see Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva supporting Haaland from wide positions, with a trio consisting of Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden orchestrating play from midfield.

4-2-3-1 - History suggests this formation is Guardiola’s second preferred approach at City, with the double pivot of Rodri and Gundogan anchoring the side at the base of midfield.

Guardiola places great emphasis on his full-back’s offensive responsibilities and Haaland could receive more service from those wide areas given how attack-minded Cancelo and Walker are.

4-1-4-1 - Haaland already has the perfect blend of attributes to succeed in the Premier League, equipped with pace, power and excellent hold-up play, which could allow City to deploy this formation in fixtures they want to seize the initiative in and would allow them to build the team around Foden.