Micah Richards has claimed that Manchester City signing Harry Kane from Tottenham would have been ‘more of a risk’ than Erling Haaland.
The former Manchester City defender told BBC Sport the Tottenham striker’s age and injury record goes ‘against him’ compared to the Premier League’s latest addition.
Last summer, it was well-documented that the Premier League Champions wanted the 28-year-old at the Etihad.
Instead, a stubborn Daniel Levy batted away any interest and Kane, whose contract at Spurs expires in 2024, stayed put.
Man City have now looked elsewhere and recently confirmed the capture of Haaland from Dortmund – he will earn a reported £500k-a-week.
After the arrival of the 21-year-old, this is what Richards had to say about the player and Manchester City’s previous interest in Kane.
“There are bound to be comparisons made to, say, Kane, because City tried and failed to sign him last summer,” said Richards.
“But, given the choice of who to get, I’d go for Haaland every time. Kane is a brilliant player and would 100% make City’s team better too.
“But his age and his injury record count against him when you consider his price, and made him more of a risk.
“I can understand why Haaland is viewed as a risk too, because he has never played in the Premier League, but watch him play in the Champions League and Bundesliga and you will not be worried about that one bit.
“He is not just one for the future, he is ready-made for the big stage now.”
Will Haaland score more goals than Kane next season?
As an attacking player, if you can’t score goals in this Manchester City side, then you have to ask yourselves serious questions.
Many will be expecting Haaland to go goal-crazy in the Premier League next season, but will he score more than Kane?
There’s no doubt that the England captain is the proven player, and in a so-called lesser side, would pip the Dortmund superstar in terms of goals.
For the England captain, a lot will depend on what Spurs do in the summer transfer market and what happens with Antonio Conte.
If Levy backs the Italian in the dugout, then Kane might be the one adding another Golden Boot to his ranks next season.
However, in this Man City side, if Haaland gets going, then he might be the one showcasing his world-class worth.
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