Erling Haaland has started the 2024-25 season in sensational form with Manchester City, scoring seven goals, including two hat-tricks, in his first three appearances. Despite his impressive performances and happiness at the Etihad, speculation about his future remains rife, particularly with interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Haaland currently has three years remaining on his Manchester City contract. However, negotiations for a new deal have proven challenging. While Haaland is open to extending his stay at City, his representatives have made it clear that they will not agree to remove the release clauses embedded in his current contract.

When Haaland joined City in 2022 on a five-year deal, his contract included release clauses effective from 2024. Although an initial clause linked to the tenure of Pep Guardiola was deactivated when Guardiola renewed his contract, another clause, believed to be around £150 million, will activate in 2025. This clause allows Haaland to potentially leave, though the exact details and the fee could vary as the contract progresses.

Sources indicate that while Haaland’s release clauses are not tied to specific clubs, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are aware of his situation. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has expressed strong interest in Haaland, seeing him as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Manchester City has been actively pursuing a new contract for Haaland since his arrival, aiming to remove or delay the release clauses. However, Haaland’s commitment to maintaining such clauses reflects his desire to retain control over his future.

City are now reportedly willing to accommodate these clauses in a new contract, with discussions focusing on potentially adjusting the activation date of the release clauses, possibly extending them to 2026.

Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has assured Manchester City that the clauses are not designed to pressure a move but to ensure that Haaland retains flexibility regarding his career.

As the season progresses, Haaland’s contract situation will continue to be a key topic, with both Manchester City and potential suitors like Barcelona and Real Madrid closely monitoring developments.