Pimenta threatening Haaland war with Man City
Suraj Radia
- 4 Dec 2023 15:16 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester City could face a battle to keep hold of Erling Haaland after his agent Rafaela Pimenta alluded to a release clause which could prove the sticking point over contract negotiations.
Haaland joined City on a five-year deal last summer after they activated his release clause at Dortmund and the Norwegian has previously admitted his desire to move teams every three seasons or so to play in multiple leagues.
The striker’s contract at City is thought to have a release clause in it worth around €200 million, which becomes active next summer, and Pep Guardiola’s side are hopeful of tying Haaland to a new deal in order to remove it.
Pimenta, who became Haaland’s agent after the death of Mino Raiola, had previously spoken of the 23-year-old becoming the first player to cost €1billion, such is his value across world football.
However she clarified that the €1bn fee would refer to the overall value of the deal before stating that a release clause would help keep the power in her clients hand, insisting there was a need for ‘calm’ if a renewal was to happen.
Pimenta told Calciomercato.it: "In any case, with Erling I wasn't just referring to his wage bill, but to everything that surrounds him: clubs, sponsors, shirts. Haaland's journey will certainly reach these values.
“For the clause, it is a way for clubs to say 'I decide'. However, I think that, if we want a peaceful future, we have to talk to each other.”
Haaland wanted by Real amid desire to only spend ‘three or four years’ at City
No player in world football has scored more goals than Haaland since he joined City and he is believed to be happy at the club despite the presence of the clause and interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge spoke about his son’s future in a documentary last summer, saying: "I think Erling wants to prove his abilities in all leagues. Then he can stay there [Manchester City] for three or four years at the most.
“He could be, for example, two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half years in England and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?"
Haaland has scored 14 goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season but drew a blank against Tottenham and could face an FA charge after criticising the referee on social media following the game.
