Man City to make major transfer call amid release clause claims and Real Madrid interest
The latest news from the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City aim to tie down one of their key players
Manchester City are reportedly keen to see off interest from Real Madrid by tying down star striker Erling Haaland to a new contract.
The Norway international has made a stunning impact since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund during the summer of 2022. After scoring a brace on his debut in a 2-0 win at West Ham United, Haaland went on to score a remarkable 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a historic treble. Haaland added a further 38 goals to his ever-growing tally last season as City retained their Premier League title and has started the new season in blistering form after scoring seven goals in just three appearances and that tally included consecutive hat-tricks in wins against Ipswich Town and West Ham.
His early-season form saw Haaland praised by Guardiola, who believes the striker is showing a serious improvement in his work-rate off the ball, as well as continuing to provide a prolific outlet at the top end of the pitch.
He said: “He’s playing much better in everything. He stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions. Last season not even once was he there because he didn’t feel good – tired, niggles. What he needs is the team to give him more balls in the final third. We’re going to create those situations. He’s unstoppable, there’s no central defender, not even with a gun to stop him. Always he scores goals and it’s what he has to do.
“We are happy for another hat-trick, the quality of the finishing, but he was involved with the game today, he didn’t lose one ball and he played unbelievable – not just with the ball but also defensively and offensively. I’m really pleased for him but now officially pre-season is over. The international break starts the real season, so we see how he recovers from this amount of games.”
Haaland still has just under three years remaining on his current City contract - but reports of a big money move to Real Madrid have never been too far from the headlines with the La Liga champions said to be long-term admirers of the striker. However, Football Insider have claimed City are hoping to retain the services of their star frontman by agreeing a new deal with Haaland - although talks are said to have been held up by negotiations over the inclusion of a release clause similar to the one triggered by City when they signed the Norwegian from Borussia Dortmund just two years ago. Despite the hold up in finalising the contract, the report states Haaland is expected to commit his future to City.