Erling Haaland is said to be in line for a fresh contract offer from Manchester City after the elimination of his £150 million release clause.
Striker’s Contract Update
The 22-year-old forward transferred to Manchester City for £51m from Borussia Dortmund during the summer. A clause in his contract permitted him to exit Etihad Stadium for £150m in the summer of 2024, provided a club was willing to pay the amount and he desired a transfer. The Athletic, however, reports that this clause was specifically tied to Pep Guardiola’s future. Since the manager extended his contract until 2025 in November, the club is now planning a new agreement for the player.
Uncertainty Surrounding Release Clause
The precise terms of Haaland‘s updated contract offer have yet to be disclosed, leaving it uncertain whether a similar release clause might be activated later during his tenure with City.
Current Deal and Performance
Haaland’s existing contract lasts until the summer of 2027. Following an impressive start to his career in England, the club is eager to prolong his stay, and the Norwegian player is also open to further negotiations.
Real Madrid Connection
In the past, Erling Haaland has been associated with Real Madrid, as he allegedly aspires to join the Spanish powerhouse at some point in his career. However, after netting 47 goals in 40 matches across all competitions during his debut season, he has no plans to depart City anytime soon.
Early Career in Norway
Erling Haaland began his football journey with his hometown club, Bryne FK, in Norway. He made his debut for the senior team in 2016, at just 15 years old. Despite his young age, Haaland displayed great potential and scored his first professional goal later that year. In 2017, he transferred to Molde FK, where he played under the guidance of former Manchester United player, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. During his time at Molde, Haaland made a significant impact, scoring 20 goals in 50 appearances.
Rapid Rise at Red Bull Salzburg
Haaland’s impressive performances in Norway caught the attention of Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, who signed him in January 2019. He immediately made his mark, scoring nine goals in just 11 matches during the second half of the 2018-19 season. The following season, he continued his prolific goal-scoring form, netting 29 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions. His remarkable performance in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored eight goals in six group stage matches, brought him to the attention of Europe’s top clubs.
Borussia Dortmund Success
In January 2020, Erling Haaland signed with German club Borussia Dortmund. He wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a hat-trick in his debut match against Augsburg. During his time at Dortmund, Haaland scored an impressive 63 goals in 64 appearances. His goal-scoring prowess and dominant physical presence made him one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.
International Career with Norway
Erling Haaland made his debut for the Norwegian national team in September 2019. He quickly became an integral part of the squad, scoring his first international goal in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Malta. As of September 2021, Haaland had scored 12 goals in 15 appearances for his country, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at the international level.
Prestigious Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his young career, Haaland received numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding performances. In 2020, he won the prestigious Golden Boy award, given to the best young player in European football. Furthermore, Haaland was named the Bundesliga Player of the Month multiple times and was included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season for the 2019-20 campaign.
In summary, Erling Haaland’s past performances showcased his incredible talent and rapid rise in European football. From his humble beginnings in Norway to his success at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, Haaland established himself as one of the most promising and prolific goal-scorers in the world. His international performances for Norway and various awards and recognitions further solidified his reputation as a top talent in the football world.