Manchester City are maintaining their stance that Erling Haaland will not be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, despite reported interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to TEAMtalk. The Norwegian striker is poised to secure his third Premier League Golden Boot, continuing a prolific goalscoring record since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, where he has netted 162 goals in 198 appearances across all competitions.
Haaland recently signed a new contract with City in January, a deal that ties him to the club until 2034, considered a significant statement of intent regarding the club’s long-term ambitions. While City publicly deny the existence of release clauses within the contract, sources close to both Barcelona and Real Madrid believe mechanisms exist that could facilitate a future departure for the forward.
Both Spanish clubs are reportedly continuing to monitor Haaland’s situation, despite acknowledging a move this summer is improbable. Haaland has previously expressed a desire to play in Spain “one day”, and those close to him suggest a future move to La Liga is becoming increasingly plausible. Barcelona view Haaland as a potential marquee signing for the newly rebuilt Nou Camp, but currently lack the financial capacity to make a realistic offer, even with Robert Lewandowski’s expected departure.
Real Madrid are also attentive to the situation, with influential figures at the club considering how Jose Mourinho’s impending arrival as manager could impact future transfer pursuits, potentially including Haaland, especially if Kylian Mbappe’s future at the Bernabeu becomes uncertain. However, sources indicate there is no immediate expectation of Mbappe leaving this summer, and Mourinho’s appointment is seen as a means of stabilizing the squad.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s departure as manager, City sources insist this will not trigger Haaland to seek an exit, as his camp were aware of the possibility of a managerial change when signing his long-term contract. The club anticipates Haaland remaining central to the project under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, who intends to build his team around the striker. While his adaptation to Maresca’s tactical approach remains to be seen, City are confident Haaland will remain a key player for the foreseeable future.
