Erling Haaland says accusations against Manchester City have no impact on his signing a huge new nine-and-a-half year contract with the club.
The Norwegian striker has signed a contract which will keep him at the Etihad until 2034 and make him one of the highest paid players in the sport.
City are awaiting the outcome of their disciplinary hearing into their 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, which could lead to points deductions and even relegation.
When asked if the hearing had any bearing on signing his new deal, Haaland said: “No, I haven’t thought about it or anything.
“I’m convinced the club knows what it’s doing and I really don’t think I should talk too much about it.”
It is alleged that City broke Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City have strongly denied all accusations, with the private hearing taking place between September and December.
@ManCity 🩵 pic.twitter.com/FpNtWcID23
– Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) January 19, 2025
Long-term deal is a ‘very good sign’
The 24-year-old has scored 112 goals in 127 games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Haaland’s new contract is the longest in Premier League history, eclipsing the nine-year contract signed by Cole Palmer last summer.
“It’s a very good sign,” Haaland added. “Of course it’s a bit unusual, it’s not normal and it’s also something I like.
“It felt good for both parties and in the end it was an easy choice.”
Ahead of joining City in 2022, Haaland’s father Alfie said the striker would like to play in all of Europe’s top leagues during his career, having ticked off the Bundesliga and Premier League so far.
“Those are his words, not mine,” Haaland said when asked about her father’s comments.
“I think when I signed for City it felt like home. I really meant it.
“I feel so happy, my family is so happy. Ultimately, that’s what I wanted. The people I spoke with convinced me it was the right choice.
“In the end, when I talked to people, we got to this point and it was really good. I’m really looking forward to spending so many more years in Manchester, it’s going to be amazing.
“I feel a really positive energy in the club. It was a difficult time, everyone knows that. We’ve trained really well, we’re past that now and we’re looking forward, looking forward to tomorrow.
Haaland is not thinking about Real Madrid
Haaland has been linked with Real Madrid throughout his career and was asked if he ‘regrets’ that his new deal makes a move to the Bernabeu more difficult.
“I just signed a nine-year contract, what do you want me to say? Haaland responded.
“Of course I’m happy. I’m super happy with my choice and look forward to spending many years in Manchester.
