Erling Haaland's Deal With Manchester City Shows Confidence In Clubs

Pep Guardiola couldn't believe Erling Haaland agreed to a long contract with Manchester City (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland's big new contract shows the striker has confidence in Manchester City.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Haaland signed a 9.5-year contract that broke records. The contract will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034.

This happened when Manchester City were battling the Premier League's demands for financial management errors that could - if they were found guilty - resulting in relegation from the Premier League.

Guardiola assesses Haaland's length of contract, given the uncertainty around the club, is very important.

"That's the trust of Erling. The club knows how professional he is. In 10 years, you'll never know what's going to happen."

"That's what he wants. When a player decides to sign a contract like this--which has never been done before--it shows how much he wants to be here."

"In 10 years, a lot can happen. That's proof of trust in the club," said Guardiola.

Haaland's contract, which was signed when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, will actually expire in 2027.

Guardiola was notified of Haaland's latest contract extension by the Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, and admitted that he did not believe it when he first learned the news.

"I said, can you repeat it?" said Guardiola when asked his first reaction when he found out.

"He (Begiristain) said to me and asked if you were sure? That's good news. That means a lot. He's still young. I'm sure with maturity and playing. He will develop naturally," said Guardiola again.

Meanwhile, Guardiola also just extended his contract with The Citizens until 2027 last year. At least, there are the next two seasons Guardiola are still with Haaland in Etihad.