Erling Haaland breaks silence on long-term Manchester City future amid Real Madrid links

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has addressed his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium amid renewed transfer links from Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old has been subject to fresh transfer speculation from Real Madrid, ahead of the summer transfer window and suggestions of a release clause within the Manchester City forward’s contract becoming active.

Haaland is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2027 and is currently enjoying his second campaign with the Sky Blues, having moved to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

The Norway international smashed the Premier League goalscoring record during his debut season, netting 52 goals in 53 appearances as part of Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign.

Haaland leads the race for the Premier League Golden Boot again this season, and has scored 28 goals in 31 appearances despite missing six weeks across December and January due to a foot injury.

The striker was on the scoresheet during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring the victory in additional time, after Phil Foden’s brace completed an incredible turnaround.

Haaland also scored five goals against Luton Town in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round last week, becoming the first player since George Best to complete such an emphatic feat.

Despite huge success at Manchester City and talk of a potential contract extension following an impressive 18 months, Haaland continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League second-leg clash with FC Copenhagen, Haaland addressed the rumours for the first time publicly, and didn’t rule out a future move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

“I’m really happy (at Manchester City), especially with the people I’m surrounded by. The manager, the directors, the board, I am really happy I have to say.

“I say this now, it will probably be a massive headline, tomorrow you never know what the future brings but I am happy.

“You can write this but you also have to write everything I said before. I am happy,” concluded the 23-year-old.

The striker was coy when discussing a potential new contract, saying: “My focus is mainly now on the pitch, there’s a lot of games, two days ago a derby, now Champions League, Sunday is Liverpool so I think I should focus on that.”

Manchester City are expected to open contract talks with the Norwegian, with international teammate Oscar Bobb having recently penned a deal until 2029 at the club.