Ferran Torres lesson shows why Erling Haaland was right to choose Man City over Real Madrid

After months of negotiations and endless speculation, Manchester City announced on Tuesday that they have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign Erling Haaland.

City have informed Dortmund of their intention to activate the £51m release clause in the striker's contract. In a statement City said that the "transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player," although after months of negotiations that will be a formality.

The news brought an end to a transfer saga that has rumbled on for the best part of nine months, with Haaland's most likely destination constantly switching between City and Real Madrid. Much has been made - particularly by the Spanish press - about Haaland's desire to one day play for Los Blancos, but ultimately City have won the race.

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A number of factors have contributed to the 21-year-old striker choosing City over Real Madrid, primarily the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola. There is also the complication posed by Madrid's pursuit of Kylian Mbappe and the presence of this season's top scorer Karim Benzema - under current conditions, Haaland has a better chance of making an impact at the Etihad than at the Bernabeu.

There are the family connections - Haaland grew up supporting City after his father spent three years at the club - the wages on offer (reportedly around £400,000 per week including bonuses) and the chance to prove himself in the most coveted league in the world.

As reported by The Athletic, one argument that the City camp used to persuade Haaland to join was the greater opportunity for rest and recovery at City. At Real Madrid, the manager and club president