Manchester City Staff 'Openly Mocking Manchester United's £52m Deal For Fred' After Signing Erling Haaland For Less

Manchester City staff have been openly mocking Manchester United's £52m deal for Fred after signing Erling Haaland for a smaller fee, according to reports.

City announced on Tuesday that they have reached an agreement in principle to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland, one of the most highly-rated players in world football.

The 21-year-old will join City on July 1, subject to the club finalising terms with the Norway international.

The signing of Haaland is a major coup for City, who have beaten the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona to the striker's signature.

Interested clubs had until the end of April to trigger a release clause in Haaland's contract, which was initially rumoured to be €75m (£64m).

However, City have reportedly paid just €60m (£51m) for the striker, who has scored 85 goals in 88 matches for Dortmund since joining from RB Salzburg in 2020.

According to ESPN, City believe they have signed a 'generational superstar' who could be worth upwards of €200m (£171m) on the open market.

And there have been jokes inside the club that the fee paid is less than the £52m price Manchester United forked out for Brazilian midfielder Fred in 2018.

In total, City expect to pay £85.5m for Haaland once agent fees, a signing bonus and other costs are taken into account.

Haaland is set to become one of the club's top earners, with reports claiming he will pocket £21m per season at the Etihad.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes City's expected signing of Haaland will set "new levels" of competition in the Premier League.

"I signed a new contract knowing that City will not stop developing. So it’s not about City to define if we can be happy or not, it’s about us," said Klopp.

"If Erling Haaland goes there, it will not weaken them. Definitely not.

"I know in the moment a lot of other people will talk about money, but this transfer will set new levels, let me say it like this."