Erling Haaland has always wanted to play in Spain, and now, with the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City due to their trials for breaching Financial Fair Play, that path is even more viable. It seems the Norwegian ‘wouldn’t mind’ playing for either Barça or Madrid.
Erling Haaland arrived at Manchester City in 2022 with the idea of playing in Spain sooner rather than later. The Norwegian has always made it clear that he is attracted by the climate, lifestyle, and the football in the country itself, which is why he wanted to leave a door open for his exit from the English squad.
He signed a not overly long contract with a set release clause, which at the moment is said to be about 175 million euros.
This is why the striker has been ‘turning a deaf ear’ to the ‘siren calls’ from the ‘Citizens’, who have been trying for months to renew a contract that ends in 2027, according to FC Barcelona Noticias,
Those from Etihad want to eliminate the clause that would allow him to leave unilaterally if someone paid the price, but the player is refusing to sign an extension. The idea is to keep the option open to be able to leave next summer or the following, especially now that City will face trials for allegedly breaching Financial Fair Play.
This could end with City losing many points in the next Premier League, something that would leave them unable to compete for the title, and could even result in relegation if it was a severe punishment.
Besides this, they would also have to pay a significant fine that could affect their future transfer markets and planning. It’s for all these reasons that the attacker’s entourage knows they cannot afford to lose the option of playing in Spain.
Having clarified why Erling is more than willing to leave City sooner or later, it must be explained that in La Liga, he does not have a clear preference between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The newspaper SPORT claims that his father Alf-Inge and his agent Rafaela Pimienta have been talking with both clubs for months to keep both paths open.
Haaland’s wish is to play for one of the two Spanish ‘giants,’ and it is expected that he will end up playing for whoever can pay for the operation and ensure him a good sports project for 2025 or 2026.
