Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland, has signed a groundbreaking contract extension that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034. The new deal, which replaces his previous contract set to expire in 2027, removes any existing release clauses, securing the Norwegian international's future with the club.
David Ornstein of The Athletic, who broke the news, described the agreement as one of the "most lucrative deals in sporting history." The 24-year-old forward will be 34 by the time the new contract expires, effectively binding him to the Premier League champions for the prime of his career.
Haaland, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022, has been nothing short of phenomenal since his arrival. The Leeds-born talisman shattered the Premier League record for the most goals scored in a single season, netting an astonishing 36 goals in his debut campaign.
The decision to extend Haaland’s stay comes amid a dip in form, signaling the club’s unwavering confidence in his abilities. By removing the "exit clause" from his previous deal, Manchester City has ensured that their star striker remains central to their long-term plans.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ornstein announced the deal, emphasizing Haaland’s status as one of the best players in world football. The move underscores Manchester City’s commitment to maintaining their dominance in English and European football.
The extended contract is a clear statement of intent from Manchester City, solidifying their attacking prowess for years to come. Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits and influence on the pitch have made him an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, and the new deal reflects his importance to the team’s future ambitions.
As Haaland continues to etch his name into the history books, fans and pundits alike will eagerly anticipate the feats he achieves in the sky-blue jersey over the next decade.