Alf-Inge Haaland has explained why Manchester City was the “perfect option” for his son Erling.

According to his father, the Manchester club's larger need for a new number nine was the determining factor. Back in March, reports said that the striker had limited his options to just Real Madrid and Citizens.

"You really can't [refuse Real Madrid]. However, the father and agent continued by outlining why Real wasn't the best option for his son. Who needs a "9" is the requirement that we have in mind. Manchester City is a 10 (out of 10), making it the best choice, whereas Real Madrid receives a 5 or 6 due to the way Karim Benzema is currently performing. Will Mbappe be able to be signed?

Borussia Dortmund's only option is to sell Haaland, who has a predetermined release clause set at €60m (£51m), all the work had to be put into persuading the player and his representatives that the Etihad was the right move to make.

Other clubs had also been linked with Haaland over the past two years, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich (in addition to Real) but it appears that City not only had the finances to get the deal over the line, but had the most persuasive case when it came to the player’s priorities on the pitch as well.