Erling Haaland is still only in his first season with Manchester City, but it seems the 22-year-old already has his sights set on other destinations in the future - or, to be specific, Real Madrid.
At least, that's according to Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Speaking at the Business of Football Summit in London, Pimenta explained playing for Pep Guardiola at a club Haaland already has an affinity with certainly persuaded the Norwegian to join Manchester City at the beginning of the season.
However, the Brazilian agent also alluded to there still being more attractive options available in the future, describing the Champions League holders as "dreamland".
“Erling went to City because there was such a history of his family with the club,” Pimenta said. “You’ve seen the pictures of him as a kid wearing a City shirt so it’s only natural he would want to experience what his father experienced.
“And also of course above that, very much above that, is that he wanted to play for Pep Guardiola. But when we have a player, we make plans. Even if the player is 15-years-old. We are planning out his career trajectory."
Pimenta, who took over Mino Raiola's sports agency when the Dutch-Italian passed away last April, represented Haaland during his move to Manchester City and continues to do so now.
She explains how the Premier League's competitiveness is the most enticing aspect for her players, who invariably all want a move in some capacity to the English top tier.
“When I started in this business, if I would say to a player ‘I’ll bring you to England’ the first thing they would say would be ‘what did I do wrong? Why don’t you like me?’
“Now, if I ask a player ‘what is your goal?’ he will say the Premier League. He doesn’t say City, Chelsea or Arsenal but the Premier League.
“This is the place to be for an agent because it is the place the players want to be. It’s a fantastic league. It’s competitive. Every game is a challenge. Everybody wants to watch it. They want to be here."
Despite that, Pimenta recognises there is somewhere other than the Premier League which is still a fantasy many players aspire to make reality.
“But there is the Premier League. And there is Real Madrid. And Real Madrid has something of its own that makes it the dreamland for the players.
“Madrid keeps this magic going. It doesn’t have the league competition but it does have the Champions League.”
