Man City to take drastic measure to stop Erling Haaland from joining Real Madrid
Manchester City is prepared to offer Erling Haaland a lucrative new contract, making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, to deter any interest from Real Madrid.
The forward has had a phenomenal debut season in England and could break more records before the end of the current campaign. City signed the Norwegian to a contract through 2027 back in the summer, but now want to extend it amid rumors of an exit.
Haaland currently earns £375,000 per week at the Etihad, the same as teammate Kevin De Bruyne. However, according to The Sun, City are prepared to increase that to £500,000 per week and extend his contract by one year. According to sources close to the player, he is completely content in Manchester.
That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill, however, as Los Blancos are reportedly interested in the 42-goal scorer. Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has done little to dispel rumors that Real Madrid are interested in signing the player.
She said: “There is the Premier League, and there is Real Madrid. Real Madrid has something of its own that makes it the dreamland for the players. Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the league competition every week, but they do have the Champions League.”
Haaland initially demanded a release clause in his contract with Etihad, which would have made him considerably more marketable. After Pep Guardiola extended his own contract, it is now understood that such a clause no longer applies to the Norwegian.
This season, the forward has scored six hat-tricks, with his most recent coming against Burnley in the FA Cup. Guardiola stated earlier this year: “At his age, no-one can compete with him, no-one. The numbers speak for themselves. Inside, in the locker room and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”
City could still pursue Jude Bellingham this summer, as his future with Borussia Dortmund is uncertain. Guardiola’s side could be in pole position to sign the Englishman if they have the opportunity to reunite with Haaland. Several of Europe’s top clubs are circling the player, but the prospect of reuniting with Haaland could put Guardiola’s side ahead of the competition.
Haaland and Madrid have both been linked to the midfielder. However, acquiring Kylian Mbappe will likely be their top priority in the coming years. Los Blancos have had multiple offers rejected, but it is expected that the Frenchman will eventually leave Paris.
Man City to take drastic measure to stop Erling Haaland from joining Real Madrid
