Erling Haaland's stance on Man City exit amid "dressing room burden" fears
Erling Haaland has refused to rule out a future transfer to Real Madrid despite stressing he is "really happy" at Manchester City.
The Norwegian striker, 23, has been a revelation since joining the Premier League champions in the summer of 2022, plundering 80 goals in 84 games. Haaland was an influential figure in City's historic treble win last season, however, his long-term future has been the subject of speculation pretty much since he signed on the dotted line at the Etihad.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are known to be avid admirers of the former Borussia Dortmund star and Haaland has reiterated that he doesn't know what the future holds. He told reporters on Tuesday: “I’m really happy, especially with the people that I’m surrounded with. The manager, the directors, the board, they are a group of amazing people and I'm really happy, I have to say.
“If I say this now it’s probably going to be a massive headline, but tomorrow you never know what the future brings. But I'm happy. You can write this, but you also have to write everything I said before. I’m happy.”
Haaland's comments will do little to ease fears that he may not be at Manchester City for a long period. His father, former City midfielder Alf-Inge, even outlined previously that the striker would stay in the Premier League for "three or four years at the most".
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Speaking on the documentary 'Haaland: The Big Decision', Haaland Snr said: “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?”
Borussia Dortmund were also constantly plagued by speculation over their talisman's future during his prolific spell in Germany. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl admitted that, in the end, the relentless talk over Haaland moving on became a "burden" behind the scenes.
Join the debate! Do you think Haaland will stay at Man City beyond next season? Let us know here.
Haaland won the treble with City last season (PA Wire/PA Images)He told German publication Sport Bild previously: “In the end, the Haaland issue became a burden in the locker room. As much as we always loved Haaland and he was successful with us, in the end, he became a burden on the dressing room, the club and the whole environment.
“He had become the subject of every conversation. Outside the club, almost everything was exclusively focused on him. In the end, the timing of the transfer was right for both parties. And we are all happy for Erling that he continues to be so successful.”
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