Alan Shearer identifies Erling Haaland's biggest problem on Man City's 115 charges

Alan Shearer has hailed Erling Haaland as the best striker in the world but remains sceptical that the Manchester City forward will surpass his own Premier League goalscoring record. Haaland has been in blistering form so far, scoring his second hat-trick of the season in City's 3-1 win over West Ham, taking his tally to seven this season and an impressive 70 in 69 league appearances.

Despite that, Shearer is not entirely convinced the Norwegian will surpass his monumental 260-goal haul – and that could be down to the club's 115 goals. The former Newcastle forward acknowledged Haaland's exceptional talent and rapid rise since joining City in 2022, but stressed that uncertainty within the club could see him leave the Etihad sooner than expected.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “I think if Harry Kane were to come back to the Premier League in a few years then he might have a chance of breaking my record, but there's no doubt that if Erling Haaland stays here for the next five or six years, the way he's doing, then he'll absolutely beat it.

“We'll have to wait and see though; we don't know what's going to happen with Manchester City and the charges, we don't know what's going to happen with Pep Guardiola and his time at the club.”

Manchester City have been accused of breaching Financial Fair Play rules over a nine-year period, starting in 2009 and continuing until 2018. The club denies all charges against them, but it remains to be seen what will happen to the case. If found guilty, they could face a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.

The Manchester City hearing has been brought forward to mid-September, having originally been scheduled to start in November. However, the timing could change as it is a judicial process, independent of the influence of the Premier League or Manchester City.

On the uncertainties, Shearer added: “They are big questions, not only for the football club and the manager, but also for the players who are at the club. But if Haaland stays in the Premier League, then absolutely, he will break my record.”

The former Newcastle man made no secret of his admiration for the Norwegian sensation, praising his goalscoring abilities as “top class”. He continued: “Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world at the moment. In terms of goals, I mean, he's also playing in the toughest league in the world.

“I know he’s got great players around him but he’s still got to convert his chances and the way he is, and the ease with which he makes it look like he is, which he obviously isn’t, then yeah, there’s nobody better than him to put the ball in the back of the net at the moment.

“Haaland’s finishing is top class, and you can see he’s really enjoying it as well and I appreciate that. I understand that because when you’re in that form, when you have that belief and when you have a chance and you expect to make it happen, it’s a great feeling.

“Being on the pitch, in the tunnel, looking at your opponents and thinking: ‘I’m already 1-0 up. I already have the faith and the confidence.’ It’s an incredible feeling and I can see he has that. I can see it in him and it’s an incredible feeling.”

Haaland will have the chance to add to his ever-increasing goal tally after the international break when City take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 14 at 3pm.