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Why Erling Haaland and Manchester City Commit to Each Other Until 2034: "One of the Most Lucrative Sports Contracts Ever"

Erling Haaland has secured a groundbreaking new contract with Manchester City, extending his tenure with the Premier League champions by a staggering 10 years. "This is a special club full of fantastic people," the Norwegian striker commented on his record-breaking extension. But what drives both parties to commit to such an unusually long-term deal?

The trend of offering extended contracts isn’t new. Clubs like Chelsea have long used them to their advantage, and now Manchester City is taking it to the next level with Haaland’s megadeal.

A Decade at City: The Details of Haaland’s Contract

Announced today, Erling Braut Haaland’s new deal will keep him at Manchester City until the summer of 2034. This unprecedented agreement cements his future with the club and reinforces City’s commitment to their star player.

“I’m very happy to spend even more time at this fantastic club,” Haaland said. “Manchester City is a special club with amazing people and supporters.”

Financial Savvy Meets Sporting Strategy

So why the decade-long commitment? For Manchester City, it’s a blend of financial and strategic planning.

From a financial perspective, the lengthy contract term is a clever move to navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. By spreading the cost of Haaland’s contract over 10 years, City can manage their accounts more efficiently. This approach has been effectively utilized by other clubs, including Chelsea.

Additionally, sources suggest that the new agreement eliminates various release clauses that were part of Haaland’s previous contract. This ensures City retains full control over the striker’s future.

Building Around a Superstar

According to The Athletic, Manchester City sees Haaland as "a cornerstone for the next decade." Beyond his unparalleled goal-scoring ability, Haaland is also a commercial powerhouse. The club intends to build its sporting and commercial strategies around him. Simply put, Manchester City is now Haaland’s club.

For Haaland, the decision to tie his future to City—despite the club facing 115 charges from the Premier League for alleged financial breaches—is a calculated risk. Nonetheless, the striker’s financial security is guaranteed. The Athletic has labeled the deal as "one of the most lucrative sports contracts ever," though exact figures remain undisclosed.

The Financial Breakdown: Haaland’s Earnings in Numbers

Reports from The Guardian suggest that Erling Haaland will earn an astonishing £500,000 per week, equivalent to €590,950. To put this into perspective:

• €84,421 per day

• €3,518 per hour

• €58.63 per minute

This contract makes Haaland the highest-paid player at Manchester City, surpassing teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who reportedly earns £400,000 (€472,760) per week.

The Future of Long-Term Contracts in Football

Haaland’s deal raises questions about the evolving nature of player contracts in football. Long-term agreements provide financial stability for players while giving clubs a way to secure their most valuable assets. However, they also come with risks, such as the potential for player performance to decline over time.

For Manchester City and Haaland, this 10-year pact is more than just a financial arrangement; it’s a mutual commitment to building a legacy. As both parties look to dominate football’s landscape, this deal is a clear signal of their ambitions—and a reminder of the ever-growing stakes in the modern game.

Source: Sporza