Manchester City The team suffered another defeat at home to arch-rivals Manchester United, leaving them 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Premier League table.
It represents a 2-1 defeat Manchester City's fifth defeat in the league in the last seven matches With many pundits believing the champions are now out of the race to defend their title once again. Their current form is a far cry from the scintillating performances that led the club to this point Four Premier League titles in a row.
It has been an unlucky season for the club so far, with 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri ruled out for the rest of the season with Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament And the talisman Kevin De Bruyne continues to struggle to regain his fitness And the shape.
Unfortunately for his boss Pep GuardiolaIt seems the bad news may not end with his team's poor performance – in fact, it may be about to get worse.
Manchester City star targeted by Barcelona
Barcelona currently sits in Top of the Spanish League table The holidays are approaching and striker Robert Lewandowski He was in a devastating state with 16 goals in only 17 matches For the Catalan club so far this season.
However, with the striker having just turned 36, Barcelona appear to be starting to plan for life after the Polish striker in order to continue his recent improvement in form domestically and in Europe.
According to reports in Spain, via SportWitness, Barcelona are preparing an exciting summer move for Erling Haaland It is believed that the player is open to this move.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is believed to be in constant contact with Haaland's agent, and next summer appears to be the moment when the Spanish giants can activate the release clause in the Norwegian's contract. Haaland He has become disgruntled with City's recent form and believes a move to Spain could be the next breakthrough in his fledgling career.
The move would be a huge blow for Pep Guardiola, who will lose a focal point in the attack after scoring a stunning goal. 108 goals for the club in just 121 matches.
The impact of Haaland's departure from Man City
Despite City's marked decline in form this season, Haaland is still accumulating 18 goals in all competitions And currently it is Top scorer in the English Premier League.
the Estimate: £123 million Forward has participated in 50% of Manchester City's goals this season His departure will leave a large gap in the attacking line in Al-Ittihad, with the absence of other offers in this department.
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Haaland vs. Doku, Foden, Grealish and Savio, season 24/25 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Haaland |
napkin |
Foot |
Grealish |
Savio |
|
Objectives |
13 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
xG |
0.81 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.11 |
0.27 |
|
Screenshots |
4.32 |
2.18 |
3 |
1.68 |
2.52 |
|
Shots on goal |
52.2% |
26.7% |
12.5% |
33.3% |
35% |
|
Aerial duels won |
46.7% |
0% |
20% |
16.7% |
0% |
|
Statistics via FBref |
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It is clear that Haaland will not be replaceable at City Score more goals This term is greater than the other four attacking players combined. In addition, he has a powerful striker Highest expected goalsthe highest number of shots and the highest percentage of shots on goal among the attacking options available to Guardiola.
Being the focal point of City's attack is a crucial role in the way Pep likes his teams to play and with Haaland also winning the title. Most air duelsHe has more than proven his value to the team in recent seasons.
Manchester City's season may not be over yet. However, if Barcelona have their way with the Norwegian in the summer, it could leave a gap that even Guardiola will struggle to fill.
