Erling Haaland’s Manchester City release clause revealed
Erling Haaland’s Manchester City contract does include a release clause but it does not apply to the any of the Premier League champions’ domestic rivals.
The Norway international has adopted instant hero status at the Etihad Stadium following a goal-laden start to his City career.
Haaland took his tally to an astonishing 20 goals in 13 appearances with a typically predatory strike in Saturday’s routine 4-0 win over Southampton.
The son of former City midfielder, Alife Haaland, has made a mockery of those who suggested he would struggle to adapt to the rigours of English football following a rusty display in the Community Shield defeat back in August.
Since then, Haaland has terrorised defences up and down the country, scoring hat-tricks in three successive home matches, including a sensational treble in the derby win over United.
City fought off competition from all of Europe’s major clubs to sign Haaland in the summer for a relatively modest €60m as a result of the clause that was inserted in the striker’s contract when he joined Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg.
Speculation in Spain has claimed there is a similar clause in the 22-year-old’s deal with City which could enable Real Madrid to snare Europe’s deadliest marksman.
Speaking after his two goals in the Champions League win over FC Copenhagen last week, Pep Guardiola responded to those reports, saying: ‘It’s not true — he has no release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. It’s not true. What else can I say?’
According to The Athletic, however, Haaland does have a release clause but it does not come into effect until 2024 when he would be halfway through his current contract.
At that point, any non-English team would potentially be able to buy the player for €200m.
City are back in Champions League action this evening in Denmark and Guardiola could rest his main man ahead of this weekend’s trip to Anfield.
‘Tomorrow I am going to decide what is the team selection,’ said Guardiola. ‘I have to speak with the players, physios and doctors and decide what is the best. Then we will see.
‘It’s true that in the last 25-30 minutes when games are tight, that is when fatigue and the risk of injuries rises. But lately we were lucky to score goals in the first half and at the beginning of the second, then after we can rotate.
‘But it’s not just to rest players for fatigue but to involve everyone. I like it when everyone can be involved in the team and play as best as possible and reach the best level.’
MORE : Erling Haaland’s mind-blowing weekly salary revealed at Manchester City
MORE : Erling Haaland has no release clause in his Manchester City contract, confirms Pep Guardiola
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