Stuart Pearce Predicts Haalands Goal Tally to Drop Below 30 in 2025/26

Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes Erling Haaland will score fewer than 30 goals this season due to improved defensive tactics and squad changes. Haaland, who has surpassed 30 goals in each of his previous Premier League campaigns, faces increasing pressure as City adapt after losing the title to Liverpool.

When the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off, all eyes will again be on Erling Haaland, but former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has predicted a noticeable decline in the striker’s goal output. Pearce believes Haaland will fail to reach the 30-goal mark this season, a benchmark he has consistently surpassed since arriving at City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund.

Despite being City's top scorer last season, Haaland’s numbers dipped slightly, and Pearce suggests that Premier League defenders have started to figure him out. “I think he’ll be in the 20s next year,” Pearce stated, adding that tactical awareness from coaches and reduced space behind defensive lines will make life tougher for the Norwegian. The prediction comes at a time when Manchester City are in transition, having lost the league title to Liverpool and faced key changes in their squad.

Pearce emphasized that Haaland’s success heavily depends on the creativity behind him, which may be affected by players like Jack Grealish potentially leaving. If Haaland’s output drops, City will have to rely more on others like Omar Marmoush, who impressed last season. Whether Pep Guardiola’s side can rediscover their dominance may hinge not only on Haaland’s form but also on how well the reshaped team supports him.