Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker, smiling in a light blue jersey in front of a football goal net


Manchester City striker Erling Haaland said the club remains in a rebuilding phase but described the summer transfer window as fantastic, following City's 1-0 win over Coventry City on Saturday. 

The Norwegian international made the comments in an interview with fellow countryman Jan Aage Fjortoft for Viaplay, after scoring the strong goal at the Etihad Stadium on September 5, 2026. His header secured City's third consecutive Premier League victory under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Haaland credited the club's recruitment staff for strengthening the squad during a record spending summer. Manchester City spent a reported £460 million in the window to refresh the squad after the end of Pep Guardiola's decade in charge.

Football striker wearing light blue number 9 jersey shooting ball toward goal as yellow-jersey goalkeeper number 19 and sliding defender number 4 Thomas attempt to block
Haaland defeated Coventry City defender and goalkeeper to scored

The arrivals include British-record-equalling midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million, Iliman Ndiaye, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, with Fernandez and Ndiaye both making their debuts against Coventry. Haaland said the club brought in not only fantastic footballers but also great people who fit well into the group.