Erling Haaland, one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers, is reportedly close to extending his stay at Manchester City by signing a new contract. The Norwegian superstar, who has been in sensational form at the start of the new season, is expected to sign a lucrative extension that will solidify his future at the Etihad Stadium. According to sources, the new deal is poised to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, surpassing even his teammate Kevin De Bruyne.
The 24-year-old has been a goal machine for City, notching up seven goals in just three games at the start of this season. Erling Haaland’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, having scored consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham before heading into the international break with Norway. With his current contract set to expire in 2027, the new deal would further cement his place as one of the highest earners in world football.
Release Clause Could Open the Door for Real Madrid
Despite the promising contract extension, Real Madrid’s hopes of eventually signing Haaland remain alive, thanks to a key feature expected to be included in the new deal: a release clause. Spanish publication Marca has reported that the release clause could make a potential move to the reigning Champions League holders feasible in the future. Although Haaland isn’t a priority for Real Madrid at the moment, with Kylian Mbappé being their latest addition, the clause offers a glimmer of hope for the Spanish giants.
The release clause is seen as a strategic move by Haaland, his father Alf-Inge Erling Haaland, and his agent Rafael Pimenta, who want to ensure that the forward retains control over his career. Haaland, often described as “the master of his destiny,” values the ability to make decisions that are in his best interest, while remaining loyal to his current club. This clause is not unprecedented, as a similar one was triggered when Haaland made his £51 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in 2021.
Erling Haaland’s Remarkable Record at Manchester City
Erling Haaland has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Manchester City, scoring a staggering 97 goals in just 102 appearances. His consistency in front of goal has seen him win the Premier League Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons, further establishing his status as one of the world’s elite forwards. In his two seasons with City, Haaland has also lifted the Premier League title twice, in addition to winning the FA Cup and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
His exceptional performances continue to elevate Manchester City on both domestic and international fronts, with Haaland playing a pivotal role in the club’s ongoing success. The new contract will likely reward him handsomely, with his salary expected to surpass De Bruyne’s £425,000-a-week wages. While Erling Haaland’s basic pay is in line with City’s top earners at £375,000 per week, various bonuses push his actual earnings to over £850,000 weekly, reflecting his immense value to the club.
Erling Haaland Faces Criticism Following Norway’s Disappointing Results
While Erling Haaland’s club performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, his recent outings for the Norway national team have left fans and pundits frustrated. Norway, despite boasting star players such as Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and others like Sander Berge and Alexander Sørloth, have failed to meet expectations on the international stage. Most notably, the team missed out on qualifying for both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, raising serious questions about their direction.
Norway’s latest setback came on Friday when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Kazakhstan in the Nations League. Haaland, despite his goal-scoring prowess for Manchester City, failed to make an impact against a team ranked 109th in the world, a significant 59 places below Norway. This result has led to widespread criticism, with former Norway manager Egil Olsen questioning both Haaland and Odegaard’s leadership and performances in crucial matches.
Erling Haaland and Odegaard: Premier League Stars Under Fire for Norway’s Struggles
Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard have firmly established themselves as two of the brightest talents in the Premier Erling Haaland’s record at Manchester City speaks for itself, with the striker amassing 97 goals in just 102 games and contributing to City’s success in winning major trophies, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. Odegaard, on the other hand, has become the cornerstone of Arsenal’s midfield, leading the club in its bid to challenge City for the Premier League crown.
However, their domestic success has yet to translate to international glory for Norway. Fans and analysts alike are puzzled by Norway’s inability to capitalize on the talent of their key players. Despite the presence of both Haaland and Odegaard, Norway has failed to make significant strides in major international competitions, leaving many to wonder if the duo’s Premier League stardom can ever be fully realized on the global stage. This disconnect between their club and country performances continues to spark debate, with growing pressure on both players to deliver for Norway.
