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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Guardiola opened up on Man City's transfer plan before deadline day</li><li>Sold Alvarez to Atletico Madrid </li><li>Cityzens do not have a cover for Haaland</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Will Man City make late transfer swoop for Erling Haaland cover? Pep Guardiola explains pre-deadline plan after selling World Cup winner Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid

Champions League

Sporting CP

Manchester City

Manchester City parted ways with World Cup and Copa America-winning Argentine forward Julian Alvarez earlier this summer as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/atletico-madrid-confirm-julian-alvarez-transfer-bizarre-bizarre-post-after-landing-man-city-striker/blt5a0da00a9400d87a" target="_blank">moved to Atletico Madrid</a> for a whopping £82million (€95m) transfer fee. With Alvarez's exit from Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola currently has only Erling Haaland in the No.9 role.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland has once again got off to a blockbuster start, as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/pep-guardiola-stunned-another-hat-trick-erling-haaland-man-city-ipswich/blt9ae0a1f58ab43557" target="_blank">netted a hat-trick</a> in the second match of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday as City thrashed newly promoted Ipswich Town 4-1. However, the question remains regarding what will happen when the Norwegian is not able to take to the field?

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<a href="https://x.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1827382005446689121" target="_blank">beIN Sports</a> asked Guardiola after the match if the club are planning to buy a striker before the transfer window closes on August 30, to which the manager replied: "Erling cannot play every game. The absence of Oscar Bobb is a big, big blow."But Phil (Foden) can play there, close to the box. (James) McAtee can play there, because he’s really good in these spaces, and even Gundo can play there. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the market, but I think we’re going to continue in that way."

WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

Defending champions City, who are looking to land a record-enhancing fifth successive Premier League title, have made a perfect start to the current season - with Haaland leading the way - and will be back in action when facing West Ham next weekend.

WHAT NEXT?

Will Man City make late transfer swoop for Erling Haaland cover? Pep Guardiola explains pre-deadline plan after selling World Cup winner Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid | Goal.com South Africa

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed if the club are planning to buy Erling Haaland&apos;s cover before the transfer window closes.