Manchester City owner has stark warning for club’s rivals

Manchester City chairman Klahdoon Al Mubarak has issued a warning to the club’s rivals, claiming that their summer spending is far from over. 

City confirmed the signing of River Plate’s Julian Alvarez back in January, but the striker remained in Argentina for the rest of the season on loan and it isn’t yet clear whether or not he will stay put beyond that.

Erling Haaland is also set to join Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions, with City having activated the player’s release clause of just over £51 million for the 21-year-old, who has scored 115 goals in his last 116 games at club level.

Speaking to the club’s official media, Al Mubarak assessed the deals that the club have done so far, and also confirmed that there will be more new arrivals.

“I can confirm that there will be more players coming in,” he said.

“We are looking to strengthen the team in the areas we need strengthening.

“We’ve made two very important additions already but I anticipate we will be doing a couple more.

Haaland has averaged almost a goal-per-game over the past two seasons

“We will try to go as fast as we can but it depends on the market. If it was up to me, they would all be done on July 1,” he added.

Al Mubarak also spoke about the signing of Haaland, who is regarded as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

“In Haaland we have arguably the best number nine in the world at the right age.

“From his early days in Norway and on to Dortmund has been on our radar for four or five years. We have seen his transition from very talented high quality high potential young player to one of the most, if not the most, exciting striker in the world.

“He is a very, very unique striker that the whole world has been looking at. Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join and we are absolutely delighted he decided to join Man City.”

City have been linked with a number of other players in recent weeks, including Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and even outgoing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.