Liverpool legend John Aldridge has suggested that The Reds should make a move for Erling Haaland if Manchester City are forced to part ways with several key players following potential sanctions over alleged financial rule breaches.
Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial breaches covering the period from 2009/10 to 2017/18. The club has appealed the decision, meaning the final outcome remains uncertain.
However, if City eventually receive a severe punishment, including possible relegation from the Premier League, the situation could have major consequences for the futures of their biggest stars.
For Aldridge, Haaland would be the first player Liverpool should target.
John Aldridge Wants Liverpool to Target Haaland
Aldridge believes Manchester City’s financial case could create uncertainty around the futures of several players if the club receives a significant punishment.
The former Liverpool striker expects agents representing City players to closely monitor developments, particularly if relegation becomes a realistic consequence.
“If City are actually relegated, Haaland will not be playing in the lower division,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.
The Norwegian striker remains one of the most valuable and sought-after forwards in world football. A situation that potentially makes him available could therefore trigger enormous interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
For Aldridge, Liverpool should be ready to take advantage.
“If they have to sell, Haaland is the first player you want. I want him playing for Liverpool. Everyone would want him,” he said.
Why Haaland Would Be a Huge Addition for Liverpool
Haaland would represent a major addition to Liverpool’s attacking options.
The Norway international has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in world football. His physical presence, finishing ability and goal-scoring consistency have made him a central figure in Manchester City’s long-term plans.
For Liverpool, bringing in a player of Haaland’s profile would immediately increase the quality and depth of the attack.
Aldridge’s suggestion is also understandable from a purely football perspective. A world-class striker capable of consistently finding the net can transform an already competitive squad.
However, any potential move would depend on the circumstances surrounding Manchester City and whether the club is ultimately required to sell players.
At present, Haaland remains part of City’s project.
Manchester City’s Potential Punishment Could Change Everything
The potential sanctions facing Manchester City could range from financial penalties to sporting consequences.
According to the information surrounding the case, possible punishments include:
- A financial fine.
- A points deduction.
- The removal of titles.
- Relegation from the Premier League.
Manchester City have appealed the decision, so there is currently no certainty over which, if any, punishment will ultimately be imposed.
That uncertainty is crucial when considering Haaland’s future.
If City remain in the Premier League, there would be little reason to assume that Haaland will leave the club.
The situation could be very different if the club were relegated.
Other Manchester City Stars Could Also Leave
Aldridge does not believe Haaland would necessarily be the only Manchester City player considering a move if the club received a severe punishment.
The Liverpool legend suggested that several top players could look for opportunities elsewhere rather than spend a season competing in a lower division.
He pointed to the possibility of players moving to major European clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
The attraction would be obvious for elite players.
They could potentially continue earning significant salaries while competing at the highest level of European football.
“If that happens, a lot of quality players will push for transfers,” Aldridge said.
However, he also emphasized that everyone must wait for the situation to develop before making definitive conclusions about what could happen.
Liverpool Could Face Competition for Haaland
If Haaland were genuinely made available, Liverpool would almost certainly face competition.
A player of his reputation would attract interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, particularly if his availability were created by circumstances rather than his own desire to leave Manchester City.
Aldridge’s comments therefore represent more of a potential opportunity than an indication that a transfer is already being discussed.
Liverpool would also have to consider the financial implications of signing Haaland.
A deal involving one of the world’s leading strikers would likely require significant investment, including the transfer fee, salary and other associated costs.
For now, there is no confirmation that Liverpool are preparing an offer for Haaland.
Manchester City Are Still Waiting for Certainty
The biggest factor remains the outcome of Manchester City legal situation.
The club has appealed the decision, while the final punishment has not yet been confirmed.
Until that process reaches a conclusion, speculation about Haaland and other City players will remain just that—speculation.
Manchester City also invested heavily in their squad during the summer 2026 transfer window, spending around £460 million on new players.
Among their arrivals were Enzo Fernandez, Elliott Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, as City continued to strengthen their squad.
Those investments underline why the potential consequences of any final sanction could be significant for the club.
Haaland to Liverpool Remains a Scenario, Not a Transfer
John Aldridge’s message is straightforward: if Manchester City are forced to sell their biggest stars, Erling Haaland would be the Liverpool legend’s preferred target.
The striker’s quality would make him an extraordinary addition to Liverpool’s attack, while a possible City relegation could fundamentally change the transfer landscape.
But there is still a major gap between a hypothetical scenario and an actual transfer.
Manchester City’s appeal remains important, and no final punishment has been confirmed. Until the legal process reaches its conclusion, Haaland’s future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain rather than decided.
For Liverpool supporters, however, Aldridge has offered an intriguing possibility: should the worst-case scenario unfold for Manchester City, The Reds could have an opportunity to pursue one of the biggest names in world football.
ALSO READ :
