Haaland's Future in the 'Air': What Would Need to Happen for Him to Leave City?

Erling Haaland seemed to abruptly cut off rumors about his departure from Manchester City this year after signing a record contract with the 'sky blue' team. However, the crisis of Pep Guardiola's side and several hidden details in his renewal keep a minimal possibility open for FC Barcelona and other major clubs in Europe to attempt to sign the 24-year-old forward in the upcoming summer market.

According to 'The Athletic', the new contract of the '9' has several asterisks that condition his future as a Manchester player. One relates to the absence of a release clause. Unlike most 'cracks' in Europe, the forward can request to leave whenever he wishes, as long as he presents a reasonable offer to the 'sky blue' offices. Given his new salary (around €30M gross) and current value (€200M), it is logical to think of a transfer exceeding €150M.

Moreover, Haaland reserved a trump card that will allow him to leave City if the club significantly underperforms. On one hand, if Guardiola's side fails to qualify for the next Champions League, the forward will have the option to negotiate with another team. Additionally, a possible exemplary sanction from the Premier League, which could include the loss of many points or even relegation, would open the doors of the Etihad Stadium to the Norwegian.

Barcelona Will Go for Haaland This Summer if City's Project Collapses

Any of these scenarios could clear the way for Barcelona to pursue the forward dreamed of by Joan Laporta. The club plans to sign another '9' next summer, regardless of the fact that Robert Lewandowski's renewal is practically assured. In Catalonia, Erling would hardly be able to match his current salary, but he would once again be the star figure of a very ambitious sports project that aims to make a mark in world football.

Haaland would become, alongside Lamine Yamal, the first star signing of Barcelona at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou, in a market where one or two more stars could also arrive, given the ease of returning to the 1:1 rule for the culés. In any case, we will have to wait until the end of the season to see what direction a City that, for now, still struggles despite the winter reinforcements takes. With the 'five-goal' defeat suffered on Sunday against Arsenal, Guardiola's side fell out of the Premier's TOP-4 once again.