Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has reaffirmed his excitement about the club’s direction under Pep Guardiola, speaking about his future and also highlighting his budding connection with new signing Rayan Cherki.
The Norwegian forward’s remarks come amid renewed optimism surrounding City’s evolving attack — a unit that has subtly transformed since the summer.
The departure of long-time talisman Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli marked the end of an era, but Guardiola’s strategic recruitment has ushered in a younger, more dynamic generation led by Cherki.
City’s manager has long prioritised creativity, versatility and fluid positional play — qualities that the 21-year-old Frenchman brings in abundance.
His arrival from Lyon has already begun to reshape how the the Sky Blues operate in the final third, with Haaland quickly adapting to the new rhythm.
And if there were any lingering doubts about Haaland’s future and long-term commitment to City, his latest comments suggest he is fully invested in Guardiola’s evolving project.
Spanish reports in recent weeks hinted at renewed Real Madrid interest, however, it seems that Haaland’s future will remain at Etihad as his words paint a picture — one of satisfaction, stability, and enthusiasm for what lies ahead at the City of Manchester.
“I look forward to playing with him for many years”
Speaking to CANAL + Foot earlier this week, Haaland expressed genuine excitement about his growing partnership with Cherki, whose creativity and vision have already caught the striker’s attention.
“I look forward to playing with him for many years. It’s going to be fantastic,” Haaland told the French broadcaster.
“I feel he has something really special with the way he sees things, which is good for me because he’s always looking for me,” he continued.
“I enjoy playing with him, being around him because he’s really a lot of fun and we joke a lot!”
It’s not hard to see why Haaland has been so impressed. Cherki’s flair and ability to find space between defensive lines have added a new layer to City’s attacking play, while his instinct to thread passes into dangerous areas perfectly complements Haaland’s sharp movement and lethal finishing.
Pep Guardiola himself has praised the young Frenchman, describing him as “a player with something unique in his vision and execution.”
Those qualities appear to have already translated into on-pitch chemistry between the two forwards, giving City supporters a glimpse of what could become one of Europe’s most exciting attacking duos.
For Haaland, the connection is about more than just goals. It represents the kind of football he has always wanted to play — one driven by intelligence and creativity rather than rigid systems.
Haaland’s comments arrive at a time when Manchester City are once again redefining themselves.
The team that dominated English football with De Bruyne pulling the strings is evolving into something new — faster, more unpredictable, and increasingly reliant on technical brilliance from younger stars.
The 25-year-old Norwegian, who signed a new 10-year contract earlier this year, has repeatedly stressed his desire to play alongside players capable of unlocking defences with imagination rather than sheer force.
In Cherki, he seems to have found that perfect creative foil.
With both players entering their prime years and with Haaland’s future at City certain, the combination of the striker’s ruthless efficiency and Cherki’s creative spark could give City an edge few teams in Europe can match.
As Guardiola continues to blend experience with youth, Manchester City’s attack looks set to remain one of the most feared in world football. And at the heart of it all stands Erling Haaland — not merely as the finisher, but as the face of City’s next great chapter.
