Erling Haaland will not have been long in cutting short a rumor born on networks after the elimination of City in the club World Cup. A video capture that has become viral, and a message … which never existed.
Manchester City's surprise elimination against al-Hilal has left traces. Not only sportingly, with a 4-3 defeat in overtime, but also media, after the circulation of an image claiming that Erling Haaland had slipped an unexpected message to Yassine Bounou at the end of the match. The scene seemed clear: a friendly exchange and a relayed message as a call for transfer. But as often in the era of networks, appearances are misleading.
On Instagram, Haaland published a clear answer: “Not True! ». The image where he is seen shaking with Bounou's hand, with the mention “Come to City”, was a montage. A necessary denial to preserve the credibility of the attacker, while City is still counting on his current guards, Ederson and Ortega. For his part, Bounou continues to shine. Already noticed at the 2022 World Cup, he was one of the great craftsmen of Al Hilal's success against City. Its rating continues to climb.
“Come to city”: Haaland denies a message to Bounou
Even if the exchange never took place, the idea is not meaningless. Manchester City has conceded four goals in this match, and the recent performances of its guards do not always reassure. However, Bounou, linked to Al Hilal until 2026, displays an affordable market value (5.5 million euros). A derisory amount for the Citizens … and a profile to follow closely.
In ultra-mediatized football, each gesture can be interpreted, transformed or exaggerated. Haaland has experienced it. But basically, this affair especially reveals the growing admiration for Bounou, whose current level logically arouses lusts.
