Breaking News: Erling Haaland Signals Openness to Manchester City Exit as One Club’s Interest Forces Urgent Double Contract Renewal Due to…
Manchester City officials are eyeing a relatively urgent double contract renewal in the coming weeks and months, amid an update concerning the future of Erling Haaland.
Whilst the ongoing summer transfer window remains relatively quiet in terms of arrivals, there has been plenty of talk concerning possible departures from the club, alongside intent to renew first-team contracts.
Two renewals have already been finalised during the off-season, with goalkeeping duo Stefan Ortega Moreno and Scott Carson extending their services and commitment to the Etihad Stadium, whilst there is a similar intention when it comes to Ederson in the coming weeks.
That way of working could now extend to outfield superstars according to a new report, with one name attracting significant interest from La Liga and in-turn, showing a willingness to take the leap into Spanish football at some stage in his career.
According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, whilst Erling Haaland has previously informed Real Madrid of his desire to only join the Etihad Stadium club in 2022, the Norwegian ‘would be open’ to an exit to FC Barcelona ‘one day’.
However, it is made clear that the 23-year-old remains ‘very happy’ at Manchester City, and the club are in turn now ‘making his contract renewal a top priority’, despite remaining tied to the Etihad club until the summer of 2027.
The report goes on to reveal that Erling Haaland is on a list of Manchester City’s ‘renewal priorities’ and defensive midfield star Rodri is also wanted to be completed and tied to a new and improved agreement before the end of 2024.
Elsewhere and there is a similar dilemma being discussed within the Etihad Stadium’s transfer offices, with Cardiff City registering an interest in Manchester City midfielder Alex Robertson, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025.
Whilst the Championship club are leaning more towards a permanent agreement during the ongoing summer market, the understanding in other quarters is that the Premier League champions would prefer to extend his contract and sanction another loan deal.
Robertson spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Portsmouth, but his campaign was hampered by an injury problem despite rave reviews from the south coast club over his abilities, and a renewed interest in their work together ahead of the forthcoming season.
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Jack Grealish and England candidate Eddie Howe’s relationship clear after cruel comment
Eddie Howe is one of the favourites to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager, and Jack Grealish could well be hoping the Newcastle boss gets the nod.
Grealish will be keeping an eye on the England manager search (Image: Getty)
Eddie Howe is in the frame to become the next England manager – and that will surely delight Jack Grealish, with both the Newcastle supremo and the overlooked England star holding each other in high regard.
Following Gareth Southgate’s decision to vacate the role as England boss, speculation has been rife about his successor, with Howe emerging as a frontrunner among commentators, supporters and the bookies. Grealish, who found himself left out of the Euro 2024 squad by Southgate, could well be thrilled at the prospect of Howe stepping into the breach, given the Newcastle manager’s previous commendations for the Manchester City ace.
The mutual admiration between Grealish and Howe started when Grealish lauded Howe as a “great manager”. This rapport was further cemented when, after Grealish made a controversial comment about Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron, Howe chose not to rebuke him but instead lavished praise on Grealish following a game between Newcastle and City, reports the Mirror.
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Grealish reciprocated the respect for Howe and the Magpies in an interview before their encounter with Manchester City in 2022. “Eddie Howe came in and changed things,” Grealish shared with reporters at the time.
“They have a great manager in Eddie Howe and they already have good players who can hurt you. They had a good window and they brought in good players. They’re a threat now and in the future.”
Grealish’s cheeky dig at Almiron during City’s 2022 title celebrations could have sparked fury from Magpies manager Eddie Howe. Grealish had quipped: “There were two secrets – one, Riyad (Mahrez), take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron.”
Despite the potential for backlash, Howe refrained from criticising Grealish and instead heaped praise on his own player, suggesting Almiron was unfazed by the remarks.
Howe is rumoured to be in the running for the England job (Image: Getty)
Grealish did issue an apology for his comments, but it was Howe’s response that caught attention. Rather than stoking the flames, the Newcastle boss expressed admiration for Grealish’s abilities, particularly after a Carabao Cup clash in September 2023 where Newcastle beat City 1-0 thanks to Alexander Isak’s goal.
Howe, speaking to Sky Sports post-match, lauded Grealish, saying: “A very difficult opponent in Jack Grealish, who is an outstanding player. I thought defensively he was very, very good.”
Whether Howe’s admiration for the skilful winger’s abilities and his preference for a robust defensive effort will be sufficient to reintegrate Grealish should he be selected for the top job remains to be seen. However, the ex-Villa player will be keeping a close eye on the selection process, possibly hoping that Howe might be the chosen one.
Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino are among the other contenders on The FA’s shortlist.
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