Erling Haaland has made a remarkable start to the 2024-25 season with Manchester City, netting seven goals, including two hat-tricks, in his first three matches. Despite his impressive form and satisfaction at the Etihad, speculation about his future persists, with Barcelona and Real Madrid showing interest.
Haaland is under contract with Manchester City for another three years. Negotiations for a new deal have been difficult, as his representatives insist on keeping the release clauses in his current contract. When Haaland signed with City in 2022 for five years, his contract included release clauses starting from 2024. Although a clause related to Pep Guardiola’s tenure was deactivated following Guardiola’s contract renewal, another clause, estimated at around £150 million, is set to activate in 2025, potentially allowing Haaland to leave under certain conditions.
While the release clauses are not linked to specific clubs, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are aware of the situation. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has shown significant interest, viewing Haaland as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski.
Manchester City has been seeking to renegotiate Haaland’s contract to either remove or delay these clauses. However, Haaland’s preference to retain these clauses reflects his desire to maintain control over his future. City is reportedly now prepared to accommodate these clauses, with discussions focusing on possibly extending the activation date to 2026.
Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has reassured Manchester City that the release clauses in his contract are intended to preserve Haaland’s career flexibility rather than to exert pressure for a transfer.
As the season advances, Haaland’s contract situation is expected to remain a significant subject of discussion, with Manchester City, along with interested parties such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, keeping a close watch on any new developments.
