Erling Haaland has committed the vast majority of his career to Manchester City by signing an extraordinary new contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2034.
Haaland’s previous terms were due to expire in June 2027 but he has now put pen to paper on an improved nine-and-a-half-year agreement.
By the time it ends, the Norway international will be turning 34 years old — and any release clauses put in his last deal have been removed.
A release clause will be available from 2029, but it will only be triggered by a very high fee – which is, of course, undisclosed at this point.
Although the precise numbers are currently unclear, this is understood to be among the most lucrative sporting contracts ever and underlines the bond between Haaland and City.
Despite speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Real Madrid, Haaland is known to be extremely happy living in Manchester and representing the Premier League champions.
Following a €60million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, the prolific forward has scored a staggering 111 goals in 126 games and lifted two English top-flight titles, an FA Cup, the Champions League and a Super Cup.
Haaland has enjoyed a hugely successful time in Manchester (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Haaland will almost certainly surpass manager Pep Guardiola’s time at City, the decorated Catalan having signed a two-year extension last November that takes him through to 2027.
Guardiola, staff, team-mates and the club hierarchy — right up to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak — are known to enjoy an excellent relationship with Haaland. He also became a parent recently, is settled after moving house in the local area and has emulated his father Alfie by playing for City.
Retaining who they feel is the world’s best front man — and for such a period — will delight City and their supporters, especially amid a season that has so far seen them struggle on the pitch.
Off the field, meanwhile, they are still awaiting the outcome of a battle against the Premier League over alleged financial rule breaches, which is expected to bring a verdict this year.
It has already been a busy month at City; they are in the process of recruiting centre-backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis from Lens and Palmeiras respectively, in addition to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.
