A former Manchester City player has predicted that new signing Erling Haaland will stay at the Etihad for more than two years, despite rumours of a £120m release clause becoming active in 2024.
The striker has not long landed in Manchester upon his £51m move from Borussia Dortmund, but several reports already have speculated about a potential exit. They claim that the apparent contract clause can be triggered after two seasons, with Real Madrid said to be interested.
They missed out on Kylian Mbappe, who signed a gigantic new deal at Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of the season. It means Los Blancos have had to redraw their short-term and long-term transfer plans, with Haaland reportedly on their mind.
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However, despite scrutiny from the Bernabeu, Steve McManaman believes the 21-year-old will stay at City for more than two years. Speaking to Horseracing.net, he outlined how an exit so soon “wouldn’t make sense” for either party.
“It doesn’t make much sense for him to only go to Manchester City for two years,” he said. "Even though they’d get a profit on their money. They’re not necessarily bothered about profits - they’re bothered about winning the best trophies.”
However, McManaman conceded that it doesn’t mean Madrid won’t try to make a move later down the line given their acclaimed European status. He added: “I can see Haaland staying at Man City longer and I can see Real Madrid waiting for the finished article.
“Real Madrid don’t really need to bother with people ‘trying to get to the top’, when they can just go and buy them when they’re at the top. So it makes perfect sense for Real Madrid in three or four years, when Haaland’s 26, to try and buy him.”
That said, the former City and Liverpool midfielder believes it would be “weird” for Haaland to move on after only 24 months. McManaman continued: “I certainly hope Erling Haaland stays more than two years at Manchester City.
“I think it would be weird if he came and left two years later. Especially if we want him to be a success.
"Everybody likes him as a kid, he’s very exciting, and you want him to show how good he is. You want all the superstars of the world to be playing in the Premier League at the minute.”
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