Sander Berge, a central midfielder who was on Manchester City’s radar after being recommended by Erling Haaland, has officially completed his move to Fulham.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined Fulham from Burnley in a £25 million transfer, signing a five-year contract with the London club. Despite Fulham securing his signature, it’s reported that Manchester City had been seriously considering Berge as a potential backup for Rodri.
Vincent Kompany and Erling Haaland recommended Sander Berge
Reporter Duncan Castles has told The Transfers Podcast that Man City seriously considered a move for Berge as Rodri’s backup.
“Interesting, Berge was also, I’m told, a consideration as a backup to Rodri at Manchester City, which might surprise some people,” said Castles. “The feeling was that his style of play would fit a team like Manchester City and he had some very significant advocates, should we say, in Erling Haaland, his Norway teammate, and Vincent Kompany, his previous coach, who were both recommending him to Pep Guardiola,” he added.
Sander Berge enjoys good relations with Erling Haaland
Berge has also spoken about the positive relationship he shares with the City striker.
“I speak with him every day. He’s been over to Sheffield a couple of times and I went over to see the Bayern Munich game last week and I stayed over at his house. It was obviously incredible to watch that game,” said Berge.
“He is a fun guy to catch up with and it is even better to play against him. I have been up against him before and it has not gone so well in the Champions League so hopefully it will this time,” he added.
Man City’s midfield was under a lot of scrutiny earlier this transfer window. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips, and Matheus Nunes were all linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium. This led to a lot of transfer speculation about whether Manchester City would be looking to sign new central midfielders.
However, things currently look to be settled for Pep Guardiola’s men. Phillips has been the sole midfielder departure so far, with Ilkay Gundogan coming in on a free transfer.
