Erling Haaland has signed an astonishing nine-and-a-half year contract extension with Manchester City – and rival fans are all saying the same thing.
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Haaland is set to stay at the Etihad until 2034, earning a reported salary of £500,000-a-week.
Naturally, the announcement has delighted City fans and dismayed rival supporters who will have to continue watching their teams get terrorised by the Norwegian striker who has so far scored 111 goals in 126 games for Pep Guardiola’s side.
But there is more concern for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, given the contract’s length and the reports that all previously existing release clauses have been removed.
For many, this – and Guardiola’s own recent contract extension – is the clearest sign that City are set to escape punishment for their alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
A hearing into the matter finished in December with a verdict due within the next month, with City, who have always maintained their innocence, facing a significant points deduction or even relegation if found guilty.
But with their star player and manager extending their stay at the club, many fans believe the ‘sport’s trial of the century’ has gone in favour of the Citizens.
‘Man City are signing Khusanov, Reis, Marmoush and Cambiaso this month. Just renewed Haaland’s deal for 9 years and they’re probably gonna buss case for those 115 charges. Must feel good to be a City fan,’ Arsenal supporter Gustavo wrote on Twitter.
Fellow Gooner Steve added: ‘Looks like they’ve cheated their way through those 115 charges. Another £150M spent by Pep (in Jan) whilst handing a £Billion contract to Haaland. Pep’s a genius.’
‘They could be playing in the Championship next season let’s not forget 115 charges against them, but when Haaland is going to get so much money it’s because they know they’ve got away with it,’ Chelsea fan Sergio Chipolina said.
‘That new Haaland deal doesn’t give much hope of City getting proper punishment for those charges,’ United supporter Niall posted.
Fellow Red Devil Gav added: ‘3 new signings at near 200m and a big new contract for Haaland. They’ve gotten away with it haven’t they?
‘The Premier League cannot lose this. It would be game over for them as an organisation if they do. I fear they will get off but probably there will be an “agreement” over the punishment(s) so that City don’t lodge appeal after appeal. It won’t be what we want though.’
Conversely, City fans were thrilled with the news and its potential ramifications, with some noting the significance of the exact length of the deal.
‘115 charges against City. 115 months is roughly 9.5 years. The same period Haaland has signed for… I really hope this is some elite level troll! C’mon City!’ Joshua Hart quipped.
And, unsurprisingly, the announcement also caught the eye of Alan Shearer, whose Premier League record of 260 goals is under threat.
The legendary Newcastle striker jested: ‘Congratulations Erling Haaland. Nine and a half years? It surely shouldn’t take you that long?’
Haaland is currently on 79 Premier League goals so would need to score roughly 18 times a season for the rest of his contract to beat the record. He can make a start on Sunday when City travel to Ipswich Town.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Diogo Jota injury news confirmed ahead of Brentford vs Liverpool
MORE: Alan Shearer’s Premier League predictions including Arsenal vs Aston Villa
MORE: Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer closing in on managerial return after three years
