Manchester City have announced a groundbreaking nine-and-a-half-year contract extension for their star striker Erling Haaland, sparking widespread reactions from fans and pundits alike.
The deal, which secures Haaland’s services until 2034, reportedly includes a staggering weekly salary of £500,000, removing all previously existing release clauses.
City supporters are celebrating the long-term commitment of the Norwegian forward, who has already scored an astonishing 111 goals in 126 appearances under Pep Guardiola.
Meanwhile, fans of rival clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea, are expressing frustration over the timing of the announcement amidst the ongoing investigation into City’s alleged financial breaches.
The contract extension comes as City await a verdict on the 115 charges of financial misconduct brought against them by the Premier League. The investigation, which concluded in December, could lead to severe consequences, including a points deduction or even relegation, should City be found guilty.
For some, the announcement of Haaland’s deal—and Guardiola’s own recent contract extension—signals confidence within the club that no significant punishment is on the horizon. Rival fans have taken to social media to voice their skepticism.
“City spending £150M in January and locking Haaland into a billion-pound deal while dodging 115 charges? Must be nice,” tweeted one Arsenal supporter.
A Chelsea fan added, “They know they’ve gotten away with it. Haaland’s contract is just more proof that City expects no real consequences.”
On the other side, City supporters have relished the announcement, even making light of the situation. One fan remarked, “115 charges, 115 months for Haaland’s deal—elite trolling at its finest!”
Legendary Premier League striker Alan Shearer also weighed in humorously. With Haaland sitting on 79 Premier League goals, Shearer, whose record of 260 goals is under threat, quipped, “Nine and a half years? Surely it shouldn’t take you that long!”
If Haaland maintains his current scoring rate, surpassing Shearer’s record is more a matter of “when” than “if.” With the Premier League title race heating up, he will look to add to his tally as City prepare to face Ipswich Town on Sunday.
While City revel in their star player’s long-term commitment, the Premier League’s decision on the financial charges looms large, promising to shape the club’s future and the league’s integrity in equal measure.