From Sam Lee: Erling Haaland release clause and contract latest revealed as ‘close’ allies ‘laugh off’ Real Madrid talk

Close allies of Erling Haaland have reportedly ‘laughed off’ links to Real Madrid in private, according to the latest report around the Norwegian’s future.

The Spanish top-flight leaders are expected to finalise discussions over a move for France international superstar Kylian Mbappe, with many asking the question; what does that mean for Erling Haaland?

The Norway international is long to have been known as a target for the iconic Madrid club, but ultimately opted for a switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2022 despite interest from Real among other European giants.

However, that show of commitment to his boyhood club and the team of his father has not put off Spanish media from reporting on supposed interest and this ‘inevitability’ of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in future.

But after one of Erling Haaland’s Manchester City release clauses was cancelled following the extension of Pep Guardiola’s own contract in the Autumn of 2022, there has been fresh information surrounding his remaining clauses, as well as talk of a fresh deal in the works.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, more release clauses will kick in ‘in future years’ for Erling Haaland at Manchester City, and for figures closer to £100 million than £200 million.

While it is highlighted that such clauses ‘complicate’ contract talks between all parties,such discussions are something that both Manchester City and Erling Haaland himself are ‘open’ to when possible.

Lee also reports that the reality of such release clauses is that they are only relevant if Erling Haaland wants to leave Manchester, and the latest information is said to suggest that it is ‘not a burning issue’ for the 23-year-old.

But what do those around Erling Haaland think about links to Real Madrid behind-the-scenes, with Spanish media relentlessly linking Manchester City’s superstar forward with a move to Los Blancos at some stage in the future.

The Athletic report that those close to him have ‘laughed off’ links to Madrid in private, despite it long being known that Haaland has ‘always liked’ the idea of playing for the iconic Spanish giants.

For now, Erling Haaland remains the focal point of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering season, and after the highs of his goalscoring antics during the club’s treble-winning campaign last time around, the centre-forward is showing no signs of slowing this season.

Haaland was once again writing the headlines himself this week, having scored Manchester City’s winning goal against Brentford in the Premier League, to move them within touching distance of title challengers Liverpool.

Despite the former Borussia Dortmund man’s stress fracture injury in his foot that kept him out of action for around two months, Haaland’s goalscoring figures this season have impressed and keep him at the top of the Premier League’s charts in that particular category.

Across Erling Haaland’s 28 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions so far this season, the striker has scored a remarkable 22 goals and provided a further six assists to emphasise in wider involvement and impact on the team.