Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola discussed Erling Haaland’s commitment to the Cityzens.
Pep Guardiola has hinted that Erling Haaland intends to stay the duration of his nine-year contract at Manchester City, and he has embraced the identity of the club and wants to make his mark there.
Haaland for now and the future
The 25-year-old joined the Citizens in the summer of 2022 for £51 million on a five-year deal, which included a release clause. This sparked rumours that he eyed a move to Real Madrid and would make the jump after some years in Manchester.
However, Haaland shocked the Premier League when he penned a 9-and-a-half-year contract in January, which would keep him at the club until 2034, an unprecedented long-term commitment.
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Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland (Credit: Imago)
What Guardiola said
There have been reports lately that Haaland could leave Manchester City, but Guardiola addressed them recently, explaining that the Norwegian was committed to the club.
He explained that Haaland viewed the club as his, hence, he has taken the responsibility to lead them to success.
“Haaland feels like: ‘Man City is mine,’” Guardiola said. “He extended his contract for many years! He’s more there with the ball. He works a lot, work ethic, pressing and going. I’m really pleased!”
Barcelona’s interest
With Lewandowski in the final year of this initial three-year deal, Barcelona are expected to be in the market for a striker in the summer. According to reports, Erling Haaland is still fancied by the Blaugrana hierarchy.
The understanding is that while the Haalands’ deal would cost an exorbitant amount, they would have no issue convincing the player, provided they can put up the cash. However, Guardiola’s statement suggests that Haaland is deeply rooted in Manchester and has no plans of leaving.
