City chief: Haaland just the beginning

MANCHESTER CITY chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has labelled Erling Haaland as the best striker in world football — and promised more new signings this summer. Haaland has agreed to join the Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund for £51million, signing a five-year contract with the club. ‘We have arguably the best No 9 in the world, at the right age,’ Al Mubarak said. ‘When you look at the next 10-15 years with Haaland, we’ve invested in a striker for the future. ‘He is a unique, incredibly talented striker that the whole world has been looking at. ‘Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join and we are absolutely delighted that he chose to join Manchester City. ‘Haaland made a very wise decision and what for us is a super decision. We are getting a phenomenal player. ‘There is a lot of history. Alfie (his father) played for the club. There is a nice historic connection with the family. ‘From his early days in Norway, he has been on our radar for at least four or five years.’ Al Mubarak’s comments come with City interested in signing a central midfielder over the coming weeks following Fernandinho’s departure — with Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips and Matheus Nunes of Sporting Lisbon both targets. Brighton’s Marc Cucurella has also been identified as a potential left back target. Al Mubarak said: ‘I can confirm there will be more players coming in. We are looking to strengthen the team. ‘Every season some players leave and we have to refresh. We always look at improving. ‘We’ve made two very important additions but I anticipate we will be doing a couple more.’