Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the current campaign.
As he looks to terrorise Premier League defences next season, football fans should take note of his staggering statistics.
Haaland, 21, has netted a whopping 85 goals in 88 matches for Dortmund since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
The Norway international has netted 92 league goals in 121 appearances for Molde, RB Salzburg and Dortmund, and last year became the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals.
This season has seen Haaland score 20 league goals in 23 matches to date, and he most recently netted a hat-trick as Dortmund suffered a 4-3 home defeat to Bochum.
According to the analysis platform Comparisonator, Haaland averages 0.98 goals a game, better than nearest challengers Diogo Jota of Liverpool (0.61) and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy (0.60).
In terms of shots on target per 90 minutes, the talismanic forward beats Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (1.71) and Jota once more (1.45), with an average of 1.79. His expected goals per minute of 0.71 also surpasses Ronaldo (0.65) and Jota (0.68).
-
Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal against Union Berlin at the Signal Iduna Park Stadium on Sunday, September 19, 2021. AP -
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring with teammates Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Thomas Meunier and Mahmoud Dahoud. Getty -
Erling Haaland scores during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park. Getty -
Erling Haaland has scored 68 goals for Dortmund in 67 matches since joining them in January 2020. Reuters -
Erling Haaland fights for the ball with Julian Ryerson of Union Berlin. Getty -
Erling Haaland scored twice for Dortmund against Union Berlin. Getty -
Dortmund's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Union Berlin at the Signal Iduna Park Stadium. AP -
Erling Haaland has been in great form for Dortmund. Getty
Many players have come to the Premier League over the years and failed to deliver, from Diego Forlan, Radamel Falcao to Angel di Maria - but Haaland looks a different proposition.
If we look at league appearances, however, we are yet to find out if the prolific goal machine can master the rigours of English top-flight football.
At 21, he is still developing both physically and mentally. He has not had to endure the relentless playing time of the Premier League, and the pressure that comes with it.
For instance, in the last three seasons he has only played 66 Bundesliga matches due to injuries. Comparing this with Mohamed Salah (101), Sadio Mane (102) and Harry Kane (98), Haaland has had it relatively easy.
Stepping up to 50-plus matches in all competitions per season, is he likely to deliver or burnout?
Haaland is set to join Kevin de Bruyne as Manchester City's highest earner on £375,000-a-week, and will, therefore, be expected to deliver on all fronts. Only time will tell if he can step up and master the Premier League.
Haaland back in training for Dortmund after City announce deal
-
Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland during his team's training session in Dortmund on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. EPA -
Erling Haaland trains with his team on the day Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund announced to have reached an agreement for his transfer to the Premier League. EPA -
Dortmund's Erling Haaland trains with his teammates on Tuesday after Manchester City announced a deal had been agreed for his transfer. EPA -
Dortmund's Erling Haaland, left, with Reinier, centre, and Jude Bellingham during training on Tuesday. EPA -
Dortmund's Erling Haaland trains on Tuesday. EPA -
Erling Haaland leaves Dortmund's training ground. EPA -
Dortmund's manager Marco Rose talks to Erling Haaland during training. EPA
