Kevin De Bruyne fires Erling Haaland warning to Man City’s Premier League rivals

The Premier League champions have already moved decisively to strengthen their squad with the signing of the Norwegian after winning their fourth league title in five seasons

Kevin de Bruyne has sent a warning to Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals after the club completed the signing of Erling Haaland.

The Norway international, 21, has arguably been the most sought-after player in European football over the last three seasons due to his meteoric rise with Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. Haaland is believed to have agreed a five-year contract which will see him take home £400,000 per week at City, plus bonuses.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won four of the last five Premier League titles and pipped Liverpool to this year’s crown on a dramatic final day. City racked up an impressive 99 goals in 38 Premier League matches, the league’s top scorers, and have now added a prolific striker who netted 86 goals in 89 outings for Dortmund.

De Bruyne, arguably City’s star player, has now spoken about the arrival of the prolific Norwegian. He spoke of what Haaland would be able to add to City’s team and how it would also benefit De Bruyne at the Etihad.

Speaking to Belgian media outlet HLN, De Bruyne said: ” Erling Haaland is a top striker. His move should help us to grow as a team. Everybody expects a lot. They’ve always been looking for a number nine, but I think it’ll be good to have that striker that maybe scores 20-25 goals a season.”

The playmaker continued: “Maybe (Haaland’s arrival might help me too). There have been years that I have more assists (than this season). But my chance creation and other things have remained consistent. Numbers are a part of football but they never tell you the full story.”

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City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has also hailed the arrival of Haaland, telling the club’s official website : “He is a very, very unique, incredibly talented striker that I think the whole world has been looking at.

“I would say every big team in the world wanted [him] to join and we’re absolutely delighted that Haaland chose to join Manchester City. I think it’s a testament to all the great work that’s been happening at this club.”

City are set to be embarking on a busy summer with the arrivals of Haaland and striker Julian Alvarez from River Plate both already sealed. The club are also likely to add a new midfielder to replace the departing club captain Fernandinho – who is leaving the Etihad at the end of his contract.