Manchester City have secured Erling Haaland on an extraordinary new nine-and-a-half-year contract, keeping the prolific Norwegian striker at the club until 2034. The unprecedented deal not only cements his status as one of the Premier League’s longest-contracted players but also positions him among the highest-paid athletes globally.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, sees the extension as a testament to Haaland’s confidence in the club, even as City await the outcome of a disciplinary hearing regarding alleged financial breaches that could lead to severe penalties, including relegation.
“This is about trust,” said Guardiola. “A player only signs a deal like this when they’re fully committed. Erling feels at home here — he loves the club, the Premier League, and the environment we’ve built. For him and his family, there’s no better place for the next decade.”
The deal reportedly removes clauses from Haaland’s initial contract, which was set to expire in 2027. While speculation about a break clause in 2029 persists, neither City nor Haaland’s representatives have confirmed its inclusion.
Guardiola admitted he was initially surprised by the contract’s length. “When they told me, I had to double-check,” he said. “But it’s fantastic news — it says so much about the player and the club.”
Haaland joined City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund for £51.2m and has since become an unstoppable force. He claimed the Premier League Golden Boot in both of his first two seasons and has already scored 16 league goals this term despite City’s struggles. In total, the 24-year-old has netted 111 goals in 126 games for the club.
Guardiola believes Haaland has the potential to surpass Alan Shearer as the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. “If he maintains these numbers, it’s absolutely possible,” Guardiola said. “It’s up to us as a club to create the right conditions for him to keep thriving.”
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire praised the deal as “smart business,” noting that it protects Haaland’s market value and prevents him from running down his contract, a situation Liverpool now faces with several key players.
“This is an expensive decision, but it’s one City can afford,” said Maguire. “It eliminates the risk of losing him for free, as we’ve seen with other high-profile players.”
The new contract may also deter interest from clubs like Real Madrid, who have prioritized free transfers in recent years. Maguire noted that Madrid, with stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, are unlikely to pursue Haaland in the near future. Barcelona’s financial struggles and PSG’s reduced spending make City’s hold on Haaland even stronger.
The announcement coincides with City’s push for a squad overhaul. The club is closing in on deals for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, and Palmeiras prospect Vitor Reis, with total spending expected to exceed £100m. Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso is also on City’s radar as Kyle Walker considers his future.
Despite City’s challenging form — just one win in their last 13 matches — Guardiola remains optimistic, crediting the club for its unwavering support. “The trust has always been there,” he said. “In other situations, I might not still be here, but at City, we’re all working together to move forward.”
SOURCE: BBC
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