Legendary former Dutch international Ruud Gullit has weighed in with his opinion surrounding the future of Norwegian wunderkind Erling Haaland, stating that a pair of Premier League clubs would make the most sense for his next port of call if a move to Real Madrid is off the table.

After speaking with Bild and cited in Spanish outlet AS , Gullit unsurprisingly named Liverpool and Manchester City as the only viable destinations in England in the run-up to his widely-expected exit from Borussia Dortmund this coming summer. “I see him in England, but I don’t think he’ll go to Manchester United. City would be good for him because of Pep Guardiola. But Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool would also be great. What Jürgen has done with the club is unbelievable. You just have to love him, and he’s always hungry. That suits Haaland.”

And despite the continued influential contributions of Karim Benzema, Gullit still sees Real Madrid as a potential destination even though the club has come to terms with Kylian Mbappé over a free move in the summer when his terms come to an end with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain; “In Spain, only Real Madrid is an option. These are the three clubs that will be in the running for Erling.”

Liverpool potentially in pole position due to Man City January business

Though Gullit rates table-topping Man City alongside Liverpool as the two best options in England to secure Erling Haaland, City may have shot themselves in the foot this month regarding their long-term squad building plans at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s outfit did well to complete a £14million deal for 22-year-old highly-touted Argentina international Julián Álvarez from domestic giants River Plate, who remains in Argentina for the rest of the current campaign.

Ruud Gullit cites Liverpool and Man City as the only viable summer destinations for Erling Haaland

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 25: Julian Alvarez of River Plate celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a match between River Plate and Racing Club as part of Torneo Liga Profesional 2021 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on November 25, 2021 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

But with Álvarez predominately operating as a center-forward on top of England starlet Phil Foden highly capable in the same role as a false 9, will Haaland view the Etihad as the right destination over Anfield when Liverpool are in genuine need of the next in line in the number 9 role?

Jürgen Klopp’s men still have question marks surrounding the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, while Roberto Firmino is no longer viewed as out-and-out first-choice after Diogo Jota has deputized successfully in the role. The acquisition of Haaland would put those matters to bed, and after the Reds sealed a deal for FC Porto forward Luis Díaz, the long-term front three at Anfield could easily read (from left to right) Jota-Haaland-Díaz moving forward. Liverpool fans will likely not complain.