Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has dismissed rumors suggesting that striker Erling Haaland is unhappy at the club. Recent reports from Spain have claimed that Haaland wants to leave Manchester City due to his dislike of the city and its weather, in favor of a move to Real Madrid.
However, Guardiola has refuted these claims and believes that the 23-year-old Norwegian international is settled and not seeking an exit. When asked about Haaland's rumored unhappiness, Guardiola responded, 'I don't know, you have to ask the media from Madrid. Maybe they have more info than we have. We don't have that feeling that he's unhappy.'
Guardiola points out that Haaland's period of discontent stemmed from a two-month injury layoff, rather than any dissatisfaction with his current club. The striker recently made his return to action against Burnley, playing the final 20 minutes of the match.
Haaland's impact at Manchester City has been extraordinary. In his first season with the club, he scored a remarkable 52 goals in 53 appearances, playing a key role in the team's historic treble. He has continued his exceptional form this season, netting 19 goals in 23 games so far.
Currently halfway through his second season at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland is contracted with Manchester City until 2027. Despite being continually linked with Real Madrid, particularly after impressing during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Guardiola remains confident that the young striker is content at Manchester City.
'We cannot say he didn't adapt quickly and he was not fine since he arrived—just the level he showed since he arrived on day one,' Guardiola stated. 'But we cannot control what people say. What's important is he's happy. And when he's unhappy, he will take his decision.'
The rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid have also been fueled by suggestions that the Spanish giants are interested in signing both Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé, who may become a free agent at the end of the season.
As the saga surrounding Haaland's future continues, only time will tell what decisions lie ahead for the highly sought-after striker. For now, Guardiola and Manchester City seem confident that the talented forward remains committed to their cause, determined to contribute to the club's ongoing success.
