Pep Guardiola Admits Disbelief at Length Of New Erling Haaland Deal

By: Gyang Dakwo

Pep Guardiola admits he could scarcely believe the news Erling Haaland has signed a new nine-and-half year contract at Manchester City.

The prolific Norway striker, who has scored 111 goals in 126 appearances for City, has committed himself to the reigning Premier League champions until 2034.

It is a deal of unprecedented length in the English domestic game and City manager Guardiola, who recently agreed his own two-year extension, thought he had misheard when told the details by director of football Txiki Begiristain.

Guardiola said at a press conference: “I said, ‘Can you repeat?’ And he said to me (10 years). I said, ‘Sure?’ and he said, ‘Yes’. So, good news. That means a lot.”

Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, will be 34 if he sees the new contract through. His previous deal was due to expire in 2027.

The announcement, which will see Haaland paid a reported £500,000 per week, is a boost for the club amid a frustrating season in which they have fallen off the pace in the title race.

It also comes at a time of uncertainty as City await a verdict following an independent commission hearing into more than 100 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, which the club have always strenuously denied.

Guardiola said: “It’s proof of confidence and trust for the club, it’s the trust for the club to Erling, because you never know what can happen in the next years.

Haaland scored 52 goals in his first season at City as the club won the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. He followed up with a further 38 last term as the title was retained and has netted 21 despite City’s troubles this season.