Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly greenlit Erling Haaland’s departure under one condition: it must happen during the summer of 2026. With heavy interest from European powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG, the Citizens are beginning their search for a successor, aiming to secure a smooth transition while addressing their current squad concerns.
DETAILS:
Manchester City’s rollercoaster 2024/25 campaign has set the stage for this potential blockbuster transfer. Reports suggest that Haaland, the club’s goal machine, is frustrated with the team’s recent struggles and Guardiola’s management style. The Norwegian striker has scored 18 goals in 23 appearances this season, but City’s one win in their last 11 matches has left him reconsidering his future.
Guardiola, however, isn’t ready to part ways immediately. Insiders claim the City boss has requested Haaland remain until 2026, allowing the club to plan and avoid a rushed replacement search. The move would give the club ample time to evaluate their options in the market while stabilizing their squad for the long term.
RECALL:
Haaland joined Manchester City in the 2022 summer window, smashing records and winning the Premier League Golden Boot in his debut season.
He played a pivotal role in City’s domestic and European dominance but has recently been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the club’s current form and vision under Guardiola.
The striker’s unrest comes amid City’s shocking slide in performance: fifth in the Premier League, an early Carabao Cup exit, and a steep fall in the Champions League standings.
QUOTES:
Guardiola has often defended the team’s decisions regarding player departures, but Thierry Henry wasn’t holding back in his criticism during a recent Sky Sports segment:
“Haaland is doing his job, but where are the goals from Mahrez, Alvarez, or Gundogan? The decisions to let them go have left City exposed.”
On the potential departures, sources close to Haaland revealed:
“He respects Guardiola’s condition but can’t see himself staying past 2026 if things don’t improve.”
CITATIONS:
This report is based on the information from:
- GIVEMESPORT reports on Manchester City’s interest in Victor Gyökeres.
- Spanish media claim Guardiola approved Haaland’s departure under a strict timeline.
- Sky Sports aired Thierry Henry’s analysis of City’s struggles.
KEEP IN MIND:
This isn’t just about Haaland. City’s struggles reflect broader squad issues, with Guardiola’s decision-making under scrutiny for the first time in years.
As the January transfer window approaches, the spotlight will be on City to secure reinforcements—not just for Haaland but to restore their lost edge in all competitions.
Will Haaland stay committed until 2026? Or will Guardiola’s condition spark further negotiations with Europe’s elite? This is a story far from over.
