Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'make Erling Haaland contract decision amid release clause fears'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 04 June 2024

Man City 'make Haaland contract decision amid release clause fears'

Manchester City are reportedly keen to tie down star striker Erling Haaland to a new-and-improved contract amid fears that he could leave next year.

The 23-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 after the Citizens activated his £51m release clause, and he has since continued his exceptional form in front of goal.

Haaland has scored 90 goals in 98 appearances for Man City across all competitions, including 38 strikes in 45 outings last season to help Pep Guardiola's side win an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.

The Norwegian has won a total of five trophies during his time at the Etihad and was part of the Citizens squad that celebrated winning a historic treble, including the Champions League, in his debut campaign at the club.

Haaland still has four years remaining on his Man City contract, but there has been speculation over a possible exit in the near future amid reported interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring their second goal on May 4, 2024 © Reuters

Haaland, Guardiola linked with exits

Speculation over Haaland's future comes at a time when manager Guardiola has hinted that the 2024-25 campaign could be his last as Man City manager.

The Citizens have won six of the last seven Premier League titles under Guardiola, who has also lifted the Champions League, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup during his memorable eight-year spell at the club.

There have also been rumours circulating that director of football Txiki Begiristain could be another to leave Man City if Guardiola decides step down from his post.

Aware that Guardiola is, in his words, "closer to leaving than staying" at the club, The Mirror reports that Man City are keen to avoid the prospect of an Etihad exodus next year, and keeping hold of star striker Haaland is a priority.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland during the press conference on March 5, 2024 © Reuters

Haaland's current release clause is decreasing each season

The report adds that the Citizens want to secure Haaland to a new-and-improved contract over the coming months.

Haaland is said to have a £175m release clause in his current contract that kicked in this summer and it will reduce in value in each of the remaining three seasons left on his deal.

It seems unlikely at this stage that any top European club would be financially prepared to activate Haaland's current release clause; Saudi Pro League teams have the potential to stump up such a fee, but it is understood that Haaland has no desire to make the switch to the Middle East at this stage of his career.

A proposed move to Real Madrid seems less likely for Haaland now that the Spanish giants have announced the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, while Barcelona's well-documented financial concerns are preventing them for pursuing top targets such as Man City's No.9.

In March, Haaland said that he is "really happy" at Man City, but was not focused on entering talks over a contract extension.