(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 17 March 2026 8:15, UK

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Erling Haaland is enduring a rough patch of form at Manchester City and concerns have grown about his performances at a key stage of the season.

The 25-year-old has now scored just three goals in his last 12 Premier League games as City have fallen nine points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Haaland is not solely to blame for his recent struggles in front of goal.

A lack of creativity and service from Pep Guardiola’s side has been underlined by the Norway international failing to get on the scoresheet, and was on display again against West Ham.

Ahead of what could be a busy transfer window for Man City, with uncertainty surrounding a number of key players, they hope to avoid any issues with Haaland.

Man City have new concerns about Erling Haaland

Brown told Football Insider last month that Man City will block offers for Haaland and have no intention of seeing him leave the club any time soon.

While there are no concerns about his future in Guardiola’s side with regard to any transfer rumours, concerns have grown about his lack of goals.

“Of course Haaland’s recent form is going to be a concern,” Brown told Football Insider.

“But if you’re watching a five-minute shot of Man City and how they play, the ball gets played in and around the box, back and forth, bits of skill but slowly moving it around.

“If you ignore all of that and just watch Haaland, he’s dropping short, not getting it, spinning in behind, not getting it, moving in the middle, and the cross doesn’t come in.

“I start feeling sorry for him, because for all the good work City do in and around the area, they’re not giving him the service that he needs.

“The way Guardiola has set his team up isn’t in a way that benefits Haaland, and that’s a problem.

“They get a poor result against West Ham and all the talk is ‘look at Haaland, he’s not scoring’, but it’s not for the want of trying.

“If you’re talking about wheter he could leave Man City, no. I’d be very surprised if that was going to be an option for him or for City.

“But it’s frustrating for a striker when you’re constantly trying to get into positions and you’re not getting the ball, because all the criticism comes onto you anyway.”

Could Haaland leave Man City amid Barcelona interest?

Amid what has proved to be a frustrating season for Man City and their star striker, Barcelona have emerged as potential candidates to lure him away.

However, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Haaland is not considering his future and remains happy to stay at the Etihad.

This comes after Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font revealed he was negotiating a “preferential option” to sign Haaland if he decides to pursue a move.

However, Joan Laporta was re-elected as the La Liga giants’ president for the next five years on 15 March following a landslide victory over Font, as expected.

Haaland is under contract at the Etihad until 2034, with the club determined to keep him around, and any speculation about a move away can be brushed aside.