Pep Guardiola Could Postpone Plans To Leave Manchester City If Erling Haaland Joins

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, depends his fate on the transfer of Erling Haaland. (Photo: Instagram.com/@mancity)

JAKARTA – Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City is said to be highly dependent on the transfer process of Erling Braut Haaland. The Spanish coach will reportedly postpone his departure if Haaland is close to the Etihad Stadium in the nearest summer.

The report was first submitted by renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague. In his tweet on Twitter, he said that Haaland had been aware of Guardiola's plans.

"Haaland has heard that his arrival can confirm the manager is staying longer," Balague tweeted, quoted by the Daily Star.

Previously, Guardiola had indicated that he would take a break from football in 2023. It was the same year that the 51-year-old's contract expired.

Taking time off from football has previously been done by Guardiola when he left Barcelona. At that time he quit football for a whole year before joining German giants, Bayern Munich.

However, recent reports suggest Guardiola has now changed his mind. He gave a positive hint about his future earlier this month saying he would be open to staying at City "forever".

"I am under contract here, I am very happy here. I am willing to stay here forever. Couldn't have found a better place. I will extend my contract by 10 years," he said.

Haaland is currently one of City's most sought after targets after impressing with Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old Norway international has scored 33 goals in 31 appearances for club and country this season.

Although not certain, he is expected to leave the German Bundesliga and move to England to join The Citizen. Many predict a deal between Haaland and City will be made in the next few weeks.

A report emerged earlier this week claiming that Manchester City have won the race with other European giants, including Real Madrid, for Haaland.