Manchester City currently have a player in their ranks whose valuation has been deemed higher than that of Jude Bellingham.
As the best club in England over the past decade or so, Manchester City have had a multitude of world-class players on their books of late.
Indeed, a number of players who represented the club in that time have done so well that their statues stand proudly outside the Etihad Stadium.
Now, one player who is doing his best to be in the conversation for a statue is now among the world’s most valuable footballers.
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Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid (L) cheers Erling Haaland (C) and Mateo Kovacic (R) of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, 2024 in Madrid, Spain
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Erling Haaland deemed the world’s second most valuable player
The player in question is Erling Haaland, whose time at City has been nothing short of a revelation.
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He arrived at City in 2022 and, since then, he has won six trophies, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.
Haaland’s goal contribution tally for City has been nothing short of staggering, with 127 goals and 21 assists from 149 outings.
What Haaland has achieved so far in his career, along with his potential – at 25, he’s only just heading into his prime as a striker – have made him very valuable indeed.
According to the CIES Football Observatory’s latest figures, Haaland is the second most valuable player in the world today, with a fair price of €233-270million (£202-234million).
The Manchester City star is above the likes of Jude Bellingham (£169-197million), Florian Wirtz, Cole Palmer and Desire Doue.
Only Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is above Haaland, with a fair price of €366-426million (£317-369million).
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What Gianluigi Donnarumma has said about Erling Haaland
The best goalkeeper in the world and the best striker in the world will soon unite when City’s players return to training after the international break.
And Gianluigi Donnarumma has previously sung Haaland’s praises, suggesting he can’t wait to call the Norwegian striker his new teammate.
Donnarumma lauded Haaland after PSG’s 4-2 win against Manchester City in January this year.
Competition Matchday Home team Away team Result
2024/25 Champions League Group Stage Paris Saint-Germain Manchester City Man City won 4-2
2026 World Cup qualifier Group Stage Norway Italy Norway won 3-0
The two occasions that Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma have faced off
“He’s a champion,” said the Euro 2020 winner. “This was the first time I played against him and I have to say he’s a beast, a real champion.”
Donnarumma added: “He’s really strong, and I wish him all the best. He’ll be at the top for many years.”