Lampard drops Haaland transfer bombshell ahead of Man City clash

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2023 18:34 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has revealed that he tried to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland during his previous spell at the club.

Lampard was previously in charge of the Blues from 2019-2021, at which point Haaland turned out for Red Bull Salzburg and then Borussia Dortmund, who he joined in January 2020.

The 22-year-old Norway international has grown to become the most feared No.9 in world football.

Erling Haaland at Man City: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022/23

Haaland has scored 36 goals in 33 Premier League matches this season, which is coincidently the same number as Lampard’s misfiring Chelsea side.

With the clubs due to meet in league action at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, he manager was inevitably asked about the forward and revealed that he wanted to sign him to the Stamford Bridge side.

Asked about the fact that Haaland has as many Premier League goals as the Blues this season, Lampard replied: “It's a fantastic stat from him I've got huge respect.

“I was pushing big to have Erling Haaland at Chelsea. I'm not sure what the appetite was at the club.

“The competition was big because he was an outstanding player. The buyout clause was reasonable. I don't know how close it was… but I wanted him.

“I tried to bring him to Chelsea the last time I was here. His level at that time was very clear. Credit to him.”

MORE: Chelsea fans drool over £7m Potter signing who could be ‘new De Bruyne'

When asked how he plans to set his team up to defend against the former Molde man, he said: “You have to be at your best to try to negate what he does.”

Haaland vs Drgoba comparison

Lampard was also asked to compare Haaland to Didier Drogba, who was ace centre-forward during the former midfielder’s spell at the club.

“I couldn't compare him to Didier as they are two different individuals. Didier had that impact over a long period of time. Haaland is more instant, a credit to him,” the Chelsea manager said.

Lampard, meanwhile, has three games left to save face after a wretched return to Stamford Bridge, with fixtures to come against Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle in what is a nightmare run to end a difficult season.