Ever since Erling Haaland’s move to the Etihad Stadium was made official, the buzz amongst Manchester City fans has been palpable.
The Norwegian’s arrival ended the club’s well-documented wait for a long-term striker ever since club legend Sergio Agüero’s departure in the summer of 2021.
The 22 year-old has come to the Sky Blues with the reputation of being one of Europe’s most elite goalscorers, with 86 total goals in 89 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
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Early into his career at Manchester City, the towering marksman has already demonstrated his incredible talent.
Scoring an emphatic brace on his Premier League debut against West Ham, while setting Ilkay Gundogan up against Bournemouth, Erling Haaland has started his time at the Etihad Stadium like a house on fire.
While the youngster’s brilliance on the pitch has understandably excited fans, it is his presence off the pitch that adds to the hype around his signing.
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It is not outlandish to suggest that Manchester City have never quite signed a global brand in the same vein as Erling Haaland, ever since their takeover in 2008.
Taking over from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Norwegian international has been pitted against Kylian Mbappe as the two players expected to battle it out for the title of being the best player in the world.
As a result, it is safe to say that the superstar striker is one of the most marketable athletes, not just in the Premier League but in world football.
Viaplay - a popular Stockholm-based streaming service - have certainly realised the aforementioned factor, as they have tied Erling Haaland down to a fresh long-term deal, as per a report by Prolific North.
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It has been stated that Manchester City’s number nine will also star in an exclusive documentary titled, ‘Haaland - The Big Decision’ that follows his progress through to as recently as this spring.
The documentary will give viewers an insight into his life and career behind-the-scenes, as he was tasked with picking his next destination from a host of destinations before deciding to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
Additionally, the player will also become a Viaplay ambassador in the nine countries in which they hold rights to the Premier League.
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Erling Haaland commented on his latest partnership by saying, “Joining up with Premier League rights holders Viaplay in an ambassador role is something I look forward to.
"I'm sure we'll have many fun years together.”
Anders Jensen, Viaplay Group President and CEO, also shared his thoughts on the partnership with the striking sensation.
“A Nordic phenomenon stepping onto the global stage - Erling (Haaland) and Viaplay complement each other perfectly.
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As our partnerships with Formula 1's Max Verstappen and now the Premier League's latest superstar make clear, Viaplay not only shows sports' biggest names in action every week, but brings fans closer to them than anyone else.”
It is also mentioned that the former RB Salzburg hero’s father, Alfie Haaland will also join Viaplay’s Premier League broadcast as an expert studio analyst.
Ultimately, it remains unsurprising to witness Erling Haaland land such deals, as a big name such as himself has now added to his incredible appeal by joining a club of Manchester City’s stature.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
