Paul Scholes Names The Two Teams That Will Be Able To Afford Erling Haaland This Summer

Paul Scholes Names The Two Teams That Will Be Able To Afford Erling Haaland This Summer

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes only his former club and Chelsea will be able to afford Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be the other three teams involved in the race to sign the Norwegian international, but Scholes doesn’t think they will be willing to match the striker’s asking price:

“I think it’s about which club can [afford to] pay for him now. I don’t think there’s too many out there that can. You think of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and all those noises that you hear, but they probably couldn’t pay that money. Man City don’t look like they want to pay that money. And Pep Guardiola hardly ever plays a number nine, anyway. Even when he had Aguero and Jesus fit, he’s hardly played them, so is that the type of player Guardiola wants? I’m not sure it is.”


“Look, it’s a player Man United and Chelsea would be desperate for and they’re probably the two clubs who I think could afford to pay that this summer. I do think they [Manchester United] are desperate for that number nine. Haaland is the obvious one, or Harry Kane, these types of players.”

Scholes’ remarks do tally with manager Pep Guardiola’s comments that the Citizens are not willing to pay over the odds for players, although the Spaniard did row back on those words a few days ago when he hinted that the Manchester club may shell out more than £100m on a player in the future.

There is also the extra complication with Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola to think about, with Guardiola not on speaking terms with the Dutchman. However, it will be hoped that City’s relationship with the player’s father could aid them in any negotiations. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga develops.