It is fair to say Erling Haaland seems to enjoy some of the drama that comes with being a top transfer target.
Not long before he joined Borussia Dortmund, Haaland was pictured signing a Manchester United shirt and a cryptic picture of him staring at an airport departures board was shared on social media.
Fast forward to 2021, and Haaland is in even more demand than he was when he made the move from Red Bull Salzburg to Germany.
His stunning goalscoring record has seen top clubs around the world linked with a move and Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, and agent Mino Raiola already holding meetings with several clubs.
The Haaland saga heads to Manchester as Dortmund take on Manchester City in the Champions League.
All eyes are on the Norwegian in a city where he is being targeted by two huge clubs.
He is surely well-aware of the scrutiny he is currently under, and many felt they had spotted a hint ahead of the game against City when he arrived at the Lowry Hotel sporting a blue Louis Vuitton rucksack and matching facemask.
Whilst it was a seemingly innocuous gesture, some were convinced it was a hint as to his future with Manchester United fans on social media fearing the worst as he opted for City colours.
"That backpack suggests his destination," one fan wrote, with another adding: "Haaland to City confirmed. Light blue facemask and bag".
Haaland then dropped another hint regarding his love for City, where his dad played from 2000 to 2003, when he arrived at the stadium.
When they trained at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night, Haaland was filmed making his way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch for the first time.
“Beautiful, huh?”, he declared as he walked outside alongside team-mates and a camera man and took his first steps on what City fans hope will one day be his home ground.
Despite Haaland’s hints, City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed they “cannot afford” to sign a replacement for outgoing Sergio Aguero.
He said last week: “There is a big chance, with the situation in the world, the economic problems in world football, we are not going to sign any striker for next season.
“It is impossible, we cannot afford it.
“All the clubs are struggling financially, us as well. We have Gabriel [Jesus], Ferran [Torres] who has been incredible, Raheem as a false nine.
“Today there is more chance we don't sign a striker.”
Yet he could not resist talking up Haaland’s talents at his pre-match press conference.
"A blind guy could realise he's a good striker," said Guardiola. "It's not necessary to be a manager to realise that of him.
"He's exceptional for his age, the numbers speak for themselves and he’s a fantastic player – that’s all.”
