In a surprising turn of events, Erling Haaland’s contract release clause is being pushed back to the summer of 2025, instead of the initially anticipated 2024 activation.

Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that the Norwegian striker’s contract with Man City includes a stipulation that ties the activation of his release clause to Pep Guardiola’s managerial status.

In the event that Guardiola departs from the club after the 2022/23 season, Haaland’s release clause would have been set at a staggering 200 million euros for the following summer.

However, with Guardiola extending his contract at Man City, the timeline for Haaland’s potential departure has been adjusted. The release clause, though reduced to 175 million euros, is now slated to come into play in 2025.

This development has sparked speculation that a number of top clubs will vie for the opportunity to secure the services of the prolific forward, widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world today.

Man City is determined to retain Haaland beyond the activation of his release clause, and negotiations are reportedly underway to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, with the removal of any release clause in the new contract. The club is prepared to significantly increase Haaland’s salary to 40 million euros per year in a bid to convince him to commit long-term. However, indications suggest that Haaland may have his sights set elsewhere.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Haaland’s ultimate ambition is to wear the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid. The young forward views his time at Man City as a crucial stepping stone in his development before potentially making the switch to the esteemed ranks of the Spanish giants. Real Madrid, for their part, have been closely monitoring Haaland’s progress but have earmarked Kylian Mbappe as their primary target in the immediate future.

Haaland’s remarkable form on the pitch has been nothing short of spectacular, with 51 goals in just 45 appearances since the onset of the 2022/23 season. As he continues to dominate the scoring charts and set new benchmarks in the Premier League, the prospect of surpassing the 60-goal mark for the season looms large, further solidifying his status as a frontrunner in the race for the European Golden Shoe.

The footballing world eagerly awaits the unfolding saga surrounding Erling Haaland’s future, with the allure of a potential blockbuster transfer looming on the horizon.