Erling Haaland: Man City charges had no bearing on signing new deal
2025-01-22
Category: sports

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland says the charges facing the club had no bearing on him signing a new long-term contract.Haaland has signed a nine-and-a-half-year deal that would keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2034 and makes him one of the highest-paid sportspeople in the world.City are awaiting the outcome of the disciplinary hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules, which could result in a points deduction and even relegation.When asked if he had a way out of his new deal should City lose the case, Haaland said: "No, I haven't thought of that or anything."I am confident that the club know what they are doing and I really don't think I should speak too much about this."
City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.It is alleged City breached the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strongly deny all charges.The private hearing took place between September and December.Norway striker Haaland has scored 112 goals in 127 games for City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.It is understood clauses that existed in Haaland's initial contract, which had been set to expire in 2027, have now been removed.There have been reports of a break clause being inserted that takes effect in 2029, although that has not been confirmed by City or the player's representatives.Haaland's deal is the longest in the Premier League, eclipsing the nine-year deal Cole Palmer signed with Chelsea last August."It is a really good sign," added Haaland. "Of course it is a bit unusual, it is not normal and that is also something I like."It felt good for both parties and in the end it was an easy choice."Manchester City face Paris St-Germain in a crucial Champions League group stage match at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.