January 17 – Manchester City has secured the long-term future of their goal-scoring phenomenon Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian striker signing a bumper nine-and-a-half-year contract extension, announced this morning.
The deal, which reportedly boosts Haaland’s weekly wages from £400,000 to £530,000, underlines City’s determination to build a lasting legacy around their prolific forward.
Haaland’s impact since arriving in the Premier League in 2022 has been nothing short of seismic. The 23-year-old has smashed records, including the most goals scored in a single Premier League season (36), and claimed back-to-back Golden Boots. With this new contract, City has made it clear that Haaland is not just the present but also the future of the club.
“I’m super happy, proud,” Haaland said. “I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time. Now I can fully focus on getting better because I am going to stay here for such a long time. Full focus on performing and getting better to give all of the fans what they want.
“In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep (Guardiola), it was an easy decision. I am delighted.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player and his love of this club.
“He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves.
“He is one of the finest strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will only continue to improve working under Pep and his coaching team. If he works hard, which I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club.”
The announcement comes at a turbulent time for Manchester City, as they await the verdict on 130 alleged breaches of Premier League financial fair play (FFP) rules. The investigation, which concluded in December, could result in severe sanctions, including financial penalties, points deductions, or even relegation if the club is found guilty of the most serious charges. Despite this, City remain steadfast in their support of Pep Guardiola and the current project.
Haaland, too, remains optimistic, despite City’s recent dip in form. The champions have seen their title hopes dwindle over the past two months but are looking to reignite their season ahead of Sunday’s clash with Ipswich Town. The arrival of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt is expected to ease the burden on Haaland’s shoulders, providing additional attacking options.
If the contract completes its almost decade-long duration without disruption, Haaland will need to average 18 Premier League goals per season to beat Alan Shearer’s record of 260.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1737146326labto1737146326ofdlr1737146326owedi1737146326sni@g1737146326niwe.1737146326yrrah1737146326