Pep Guardiola has squashed rumours that there is a clause in Erling Haaland’s contract that could facilitate a move to Real Madrid.
Reports earlier this week suggested Haaland’s deal at City had a clause in it allowing the 22-year-old to join Real in the summer of 2024.
However, City manager Guardiola has shut down the suggestions following Haaland’s latest heroics in the Champions League, scoring twice as the Citizens smashed Copenhagen 5-0 at home on Wednesday.
“It’s not true, he has no release clause for Real Madrid or any other team,” Guardiola confirmed post-match.
The Spaniard also said he was confident Haaland was enjoying his time at the Etihad Stadium.
“It’s not true, what can I say? I have the feeling he is incredibly happy here. We will try with him and the others to make him happy.”
Rumours that Haaland’s five-year contract included a release clause specifically related to Real Madrid were sparked by their former player, Fernando Sanz and Spanish Media.
The ex-Malaga president made the sensational claim that Los Blancos would be able to sign the striker from City in 2024 after losing the race to sign him this past summer.
Spanish newspaper Marca argue that Haaland does indeed have multiple release clauses in his deal, with different valuations depending on the year.
It’s said that the Norwegian would initially cost €200million (£174m) if another club were to buy him in the summer of 2024 and €175m (£152m) a year later in 2025.
