Despite Haaland’s sensational performances and records shattered during his first season at the Etihad, doubts linger over his long-term commitment. Even his father admitted that the young striker seeks new challenges beyond the Etihad’s walls, creating an air of uncertainty.
While some sources claim that Haaland possesses a €200 million release clause set to activate next summer, others affirm that the clause was scrapped when Pep Guardiola signed a new contract last year. Regardless of Haaland’s decision, Manchester City refuses to be caught off guard and remains steadfast in their planning.
Evan Ferguson: The Potential Replacement:
Sky Sports reveals that Manchester City has set their sights on Evan Ferguson of Brighton as a promising successor to Haaland. Interestingly, Ferguson is a young talent that Manchester United previously overlooked, a decision that their academy director, Nick Cox, now considers a costly mistake worth over £50 million.
Two years ago, Ferguson underwent trials at Manchester United, but the club’s scouts deemed the 16-year-old player not up to par, leading to his unfortunate dismissal. Undeterred, Ferguson found a new opportunity at Brighton, where he believed he would have a better chance to break into the first team. His decision proved fruitful, as the 18-year-old talent had a breakthrough season with Brighton, scoring 10 goals across all competitions.
Brighton’s Belief in Ferguson’s Future:
Last month, Evan Ferguson extended his contract with Brighton until the summer of 2028. The club firmly believes that if Ferguson maintains his current form, his value could skyrocket to £100 million, doubling the current estimated worth.
Potential Impact on Manchester City and Manchester United:
Should Manchester City secure Evan Ferguson, it would provide a valuable backup plan should Haaland depart in the future. On the other hand, for Manchester United, it would serve as a reminder of their missed opportunity to sign Haaland when he was available for a mere £4 million during his time at Molde.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former United captain, had introduced Haaland to the club during his Molde tenure but regretted the club’s decision to pass up on the deal. Later, when Solskjaer took charge at Manchester United, he expressed a desire to sign Haaland again, but the lack of a release clause in the contract led to the striker’s move to Dortmund before joining Manchester City.
Manchester City faces a defining moment as they seek to maintain their stranglehold on the Premier League. The possible departure of Erling Haaland has compelled them to pursue Evan Ferguson as an exciting replacement. As the saga unfolds, Ferguson’s rise to prominence showcases the value of shrewd talent scouting. For Manchester United, the sight of Ferguson thriving at their cross-city rivals serves as a stark reminder of the opportunity they once missed with Haaland. In this high-stakes transfer pursuit, Manchester City aims to secure their future, and Ferguson’s journey represents a fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving world of football.
