Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed claims that superstar striker Erling Haaland has a special release clause for Real Madrid. Previous reports from Spain suggested that Los Blancos have a specific option to sign the forward before any other team.
Guardiola rejected these claims after his team demolished Copenhagen 5-0 on Wednesday. “Not true,” said the manager. “He does not have a termination clause for Real Madrid or for any other team. Not true, what can I say?
“I have a feeling he is incredibly happy here and we will try to make him happy,” Guardiola continued. “You can’t worry about rumours, we have to worry about what we can control.”
These Spanish rumors may be off the mark. Even then, there is a release clause in Haaland’s current contract making the rounds in the tabloids. These claims determined that any team can sign the Norwegian in 2024 for around 196 million dollars. The clause drops to about $146 million a year later.
Guardiola’s suggestions about a specific team not having a first rejection doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a release clause. However, if these reports are true, any club can trigger the stipulation.
Erling Haaland with a future at Real Madrid
Alfie Haaland, Erling’s father, recently stated that his son could leave Manchester after a few seasons. “I think Erling wants to show his skills in all the leagues,” Alfie said. “He could be, for example, two and a half years in Germany, two and a half years in England and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?”
The elder Haaland’s statements would potentially align with the informed release clause.
Erling Haaland only arrived at Manchester City this summer. However, it hasn’t taken the striker long to adjust to the new league. The Norwegian international has already scored 14 goals in just 8 Premier League games. Including Champions League games, Haaland has managed 19 goals in 11 total games on the season.
Most likely, there will be a plethora of clubs lining up to sign Haaland if his release clause is met in the near future. Although Real Madrid does not have priority, it could still be a possible destination for the superstar.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport
