Erling Haaland has committed most of his football career to Manchester City by signing an incredible nine-and-a-half-year contract at the club, according to reports. The Norwegian striker has emphatically ended speculation surrounding his future by agreeing a record-smashing deal at the Etihad Stadium in a significant boost for Pep Guardiola.
Haaland’s previous deal was due to expire in June 2027 and was believed to include certain clauses that could have facilitated an earlier exit.
However, according to The Athletic, any release clauses have been removed from the 24-year-old’s new terms, setting him up to stay for the next decade.
It’s claimed that it is one of the most lucrative contracts in sporting history, which could keep Haaland at City until he’s 34.
Haaland is said to be loving life in Manchester, having recently moved house and become a father for the first time.
He shares a strong relationship with Guardiola, who penned a two-year contract extension until 2027 in November, and other City chiefs, including chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
The Premier League champions reportedly consider Haaland the world’s best striker after signing him from Borussia Dortmund in a £50.6million transfer in 2022.
He boasts an outrageous record of 111 goals in 126 appearances in all competitions for the club and will now be eyeing Alan Shearer’s longstanding Premier League scoring record.
Haaland has helped City lift two titles, an FA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup, after playing a central role in the club’s maiden Champions League success.
His blockbuster commitment to the Cityzens is a crystal clear indicator of the confidence in east Manchester ahead of a verdict on alleged financial breaches.
In February 2023, the Premier League charged City with breaking 115 of its financial rules, all of which the club denied.
The hearing – held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre between September 16 and December 6 – has now finished, with an outcome expected as early as March.
Guardiola’s side have been stumbling on the pitch in recent months and are sixth in the Premier League after 21 games, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.
City have reacted by splashing around £200m on new signings this month on top of Haaland’s fresh big-money agreement.
Centre-back duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are set to join from Lens and Palmeiras, respectively, while a deal has been struck for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.
Guardiola is also targeting Juventus right-back Andrea Cambiaso to replace Kyle Walker, who has asked to leave before the January transfer deadline.
