Man City instructed to replace Haaland despite 39 goals this season
Record-breaker Erling Haaland – Manchester City's goal machine
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Former Manchester City star Dietmar Hamann thinks his old side would be wise to replace Erling Haaland with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The Norway international has scored five hat-tricks and 39 goals across all competitions since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer. However, it appears he’s still attracting criticism despite his exploits in front of goal.
Haaland was at his devastating best on Tuesday night, bagging five goals as City hammered RB Leipzig 7-0 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
But Hamann, speaking to Bestgamblingsites.com, believes City should replace the striker with Osimhen.
Explaining his logic, the German said: “Haaland is probably the best centre forward in Europe at the moment – if you look at his goal scoring record.
“You would also have to mention Osimhen in this conversation who is a brilliant player.
“For Haaland to score five, it’s brilliant. But obviously the jury is still out as to whether he makes Manchester City better overall across a season.
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“Having him is great, but that doesn’t mean they get a bye for the rest of the Champions League.
“They still have to play a quarter final and a semi final. They’re five points off Arsenal in the League and it remains to be seen whether he’s the player who wins City the Champions League.
“They’ve got as good a chance as probably one or two other teams. But whether he’s really the missing piece of the jigsaw for European success remains.
“For me, Osimhen is probably a better all round player than Haaland right now and links up play better.
“Haaland is a very direct player and I was cautious whether he really fits into that city team.
“He may prove me wrong at the moment, if you look at his goal scoring and stats, but they could still be trophyless at the end of the season.
“I think he’s a player every top club should go for, because for me at the moment, Osimhen is the best centre forward in the world.”
City have been linked with Osimhen amid his fine form for Napoli.
But Manchester United are also lurking amid Erik ten Hag’s desire to land a new No 9.
Osimhen netted his 23rd goal of the season on Wednesday night as Napoli beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the Champions League.
And, when quizzed on his future after the game, the Nigeria international kept things coy.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” said the former Lille striker.
“I think I’m on the right track. At the end of the season, I will sit down with my agents and discuss everything.
“I will also be in talks with the club. I am incredibly grateful to Naples. We will find a good solution together.”
Meanwhile, Napoli sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli recently admitted any talks over a potential new deal for Osimhen was currently on cold.
“Right now they are guys who have many years of contract and there isn’t one,” Giuntoli said, referring to Osimhen, Kvicha Kvaratskheila and Kim Min-jae.
“We’ll look into it further. Probably this summer, we gave priority to those with short deadlines.
“Football is a world made up of great motivations. We were aware that we were forming an important team and we are sure we will be able to do so in the future as well.”
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