Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit believes that Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland will join a Saudi Pro League club – but not until the end of his career.
The Norwegian international is arguably the best striker in the world and has started the season in a typically prolific style, netting 10 goals in seven appearances so far.
Haaland is the quickest man to reach 50 Premier League goals and has scored eight league hattricks – the same as Thierry Henry and Michael Owen.
The 24-year-old will no doubt keep destroying and setting records for years to come. With the Saudi Pro League looking to attract the biggest star’s in the game, bringing Haaland to the Gulf State would be a huge statement.
Petit believes that Haaland may well be bound for Saudi, but for now he will be fully focused on firing Man City to silverware.
“I think one day we could end up seeing Erling Haaland in Saudi Arabia, depending on how they develop,” Petit told TVKampen.
“But because Haaland can’t write his name in the history books with his nation, he’ll have to do it all at club level, and he will concentrate on that for a very long time.”
Petit: ‘Haaland might end up out there’
Haaland is currently in the prime of his career and is expected to continue playing at this level for the foreseeable future.
He is reportedly attracting interest from European giants Real Madrid but he’s under contract at the Etihad until 2027 and Pep Guardiola will no doubt want to keep hold of him for as long as possible.
At international level, however, Haaland and Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard have failed to bring Norway to any sort of success.
Petit believes the lack of success at the international level will motivate Haaland domestically. After he has achieved all he can, Petit thinks he could head to Saudi Arabia – and not just for a huge payday.
“If he considers going to Saudi, it won’t be down to money,” Petit added. “I think his ambition is more than money and it’s not like he isn’t earning well at City.
“He wants to break records in every game, and even if Saudi offered £200 million, he’d refuse to go unless it’s towards the end of his career when I think he might end up out there.”
De Bruyne could head to Saudi next summer
One Man City superstar who could head to the Saudi Pro League much sooner is Kevin de Bruyne, who is still a key player for the Cityzens despite being past his peak at the age of 33.
De Bruyne was heavily linked with Saudi side Al-Ittihad over the summer but ultimately a move never materialised.
His contract at the Etihad is set to expire at the end of the season. He has previously hinted that he would be open to penning an extension.
“Once the season goes on, I’m sure there will be conversations to be had with City,” De Bruyne said in September.
“I just want to feel good, play good football and this will come in the upcoming months. I don’t really feel the rush for the moment.”
However, Man City are yet to open talks with the midfielder over a new contract and therefore, rumours of a move to Saudi could resurface next summer.
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