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Erling Haaland new contract: What does this 9-year deal mean for the Man City star?

By News Update

New Delhi: Manchester City have secured the future of Erling Haaland at the club for almost the next decade, tying him down to a nine and half year contract at the club. Referred to as the best striker in the world by many, Haaland has signed a contract till 2034 at the Manchester based club, which will see him stay at the club well into his 30s, making this the longest contract in Premier League history, surpassing the nine year contract Cole Palmer signed in the summer with Chelsea.

He will reportedly earn £500,000-a-week following this new deal and it makes all of his previous release clauses invalid. The new contract is reported to have a release clause in the deal but it is reportedly set at a very high price. This is a historic and a one of a kind deal for both the club and the player involved. Haaland’s previous deal at the club was set to expire in the year 2027 but Manchester City have secured his future for the long term now.

Both the player and club officials were elated with the new contract with Haaland stating that Manchester City is “a special club.” He also said, “I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and help the team achieve even more success in the years ahead.” His manager, Pep Guardiola also stated that signing this contract at the time of uncertainty around the club indicates Haaland’s trust in Manchester City. “It’s trust from Erling,” were Pep’s words when asked about the deal.

What does this deal mean for Erling Haaland?

The question that arises following such a historic and unusual contract is what does it mean for both the parties involved. The highly unusual nature of the contract was highlighted by Pep himself when asked about his reaction to this news. “I said ‘can you repeat?’” Guardiola said when asked for his first reaction when he found out about the length of the deal. This nine and a half year contract would see Haaland play at the Etihad stadium till he turns 34.

Haaland is arguably the best striker in the world currently and has already helped Manchester City to two Premier League titles and a treble during his short stint with the club. Signing such a lengthy deal with the club showcases his belief in the club that it’s the right place for his development and his chances of winning more silverware in the future. Having broken tons of records in this short while, there is one Premier League record that never looked like it’ll be broken but that has come under threat with this contract.

Alan Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals seemed safe following Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich but with Haaland pledging to stay in the league for almost a decade, the record is under serious threat. Haaland currently has 16 goals in the league this season and has finished as the league’s top scorer in the past two seasons with 36 and 27 league goals respectively. He has scored 79 Premier League goals for the club in just 87 games for City and is currently 61st on the list of all-time Premier League goalscorers.

He needs to score 18 Premier League goals per season for the rest of his contract to surpass Alan Shearer’s record and given his goal scoring numbers in the last two and half seasons, he might not need the entirety of his new deal to break that record. Showing his commitment and leadership by signing this deal, Manchester City might have found their new captain in the near future as well considering the looming departures of senior players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Ederson.

What does this deal mean for Manchester City?

Amid a season of transition and Premier League charges for alleged financial rule breaches, the deal signals unwavering belief in the club’s stability and its ability to overcome current challenges. Haaland’s commitment, especially for such a lengthy period, reinforces his trust in the project led by Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s top brass, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of their rebuilding process.

The timing of this contract is particularly significant given the club’s ongoing battle with 115 Premier League charges. Rivals have joked about City potentially facing relegation, but the reality of Haaland signing such a deal suggests otherwise. For a player of his caliber, assurances would have been sought from City’s hierarchy about the outcome of the hearings. Haaland’s decision to commit points to confidence in either vindication or minimal repercussions, such as a financial penalty, rather than severe sanctions like expulsion from the Premier League.

This deal also reflects City’s preparation for the future, as Guardiola begins reshaping his squad following a relatively underwhelming season. With veterans like Kyle Walker set to depart, City is planning for a new era with Haaland as their focal point. His staying power ensures that City’s competitive edge in domestic and European competitions remains intact, regardless of the ongoing legal drama.

Ultimately, Haaland’s commitment is more than a personal decision; it’s a vote of confidence in City’s long-term vision. For Guardiola, the club’s hierarchy, and its fans, the deal represents a powerful message that Manchester City expects to emerge unscathed from this turbulent period and remain at the pinnacle of football. This contract showcases the belief that both parties have in each other.

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