Erling Haaland looked like a man on a mission during Manchester City’s emphatic 4-0 victory against Wolves as the 25-year-old scored a clinical brace to kickstart his Premier League campaign.
Being one of Manchester City’s four captains this season, the Norwegian will be determined to lead from the front and ensure that Pep Guardiola and Co fight on all fronts.
However, for that to be the case, Erling Haaland will be hoping that City keep their key players.
With Manchester City blocking Savinho’s move to Tottenham, the Leeds-born striker would have every reason to be relieved as the Brazilian set him up on numerous instances last season.
Pep Guardiola wants a smaller squad and after City’s win against Wolves, the two-time treble-winning manager admitting he would like more players to depart this summer.
Erling Haaland could be upset if Manuel Akanji joins Galatasaray
One of the players could be Manuel Akanji, who has caught Galatasaray’s eye as the Turkish giants have approached Manchester City to secure his services.
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However, Haaland could be upset if Manuel Akanji leaves this summer, considering the pair have been teammates since their time at Borussia Dortmund.
Manuel Akanji and Manchester City players look dejected during a FIFA Club World Cup clash against Juventus.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Furthermore, the Swiss centre-back told Manchester City’s official website in 2022 that it was the two-time Premier League winner who informed him about the Sky Blues’ interest in signing him: “I heard it on the weekend before Deadline Day, Erling texted me so that was the first time that I heard about it.”
“He texted me to say that they had asked him about me, so I was thinking, maybe I am in the top five selection of players that they want to get.”
With Haaland describing Akanji as “underrated” as well, he would perhaps be keen on continuing to play with the Galatasaray target — who particularly shone when Manchester City won the treble in 2023.
While the 30-year-old has largely been brilliant in a City shirt, he had his fair share of struggles last season — making high-profile errors during his side’s defeats against Arsenal and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Pep Guardiola may have already hinted he wants Manuel Akanji to leave Man City
However, City fans will likely remember the former Basel defender for his highs rather than his lows.
Jack Grealish described Akanji as “rapid” and one of his toughest opponents in training, which highlights the quality he has.
Against Wolves, Pep Guardiola may have hinted he would be on board with the Neftenbach-born colossus’ exit as he chose to keep him on the bench and brought Abdukodir Khusanov on to replace John Stones.
If Akanji ends up becoming a Galatasaray player this summer, while Haaland is likely to be upset, his focus will remain on helping Manchester City reach the summit of world football again.