Real Madrid News
Haaland has €200m exit clause in Man City contract, but not specific for Real Madrid – report
Journalist Pol Ballus, while writing in his column for The Athletic, has confirmed that although Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has a release clause in his contract. He has also specified that it is not particularly restricted to just Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.
Reports in Spain have been doing rounds that Haaland, who has already racked up 20 goals and three assists in 13 competitions across all competitions, has a termination clause worth €200 million in his current contract that could only be triggered in the summer of 2024.
Interestingly enough, while initial reports suggested that the terms are favourable towards Real Madrid, it is now being claimed that the clause is open for all clubs outside England.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had denied that there is no exit clause in the striker’s contract. “It’s not true — he has no release clause for Real Madrid or any other team,” said Guardiola earlier this month. “It’s not true. What else can I say?”
While in reality it is true, the stipulation does exist but it will only come into effect in 2024. If any club wishes to acquire his services, they will have to pay €200 million and the valuation will keep on decreasing as his current five-year deal with City nears its end.
With the clause being not valid for Premier League clubs, teams like Chelsea and Manchester United, who have held an interest in Haaland in the past, would be no longer in contention to sign him up.
In any way, it must be noted that the mentioned €200 million release clause will be a mere formality as the team, wishing to acquire him, will have to pay much more than that. The variables in question at that time would be additional bonuses and agent fees.
While the initial amount paid by the Premier League club to Borussia Dortmund for Erling Haaland was only €60 million, the valuation rose to more than €96 million after including all the commissions.
So for any team wishing to get him in 2024, it is going to take much more than €200 million.
Lastly, his salary will also be something to take note of. Currently the highest earner in the City ranks, the Norwegian’s contract sees him pocketing more than €420,000 a week and the figure could only increase if a big-money move to La Liga materializes.
For now, City are preparing themselves for someone to knock on their doors in 2024, and among the most likely teams are Real Madrid and Barcelona given that their superstar forwards, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, are in the twilight of their respective careers.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
