Erling Haaland has committed to Manchester City until 2034, a span that’s nearly unheard of in modern soccer. He’s only 24, which means he’ll still be at the club when he turns 34. “I am super happy. I am proud,” he said after signing the deal that removes any release clauses. Though exact figures remain under wraps, sources suggest the contract could be worth over $240 million in total. That sum places him among the highest-earning athletes in the world, reflecting City’s unshakable faith in his talent.
He has already proved that faith is well-founded. Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has scored at a pace that seems unsustainable, yet he keeps finding the net. Pep Guardiola, the manager whose own contract runs until 2027, called him a player who “loves the club and the people he is around.” Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, described him as “one of the finest strikers in world football.” Haaland’s prolific form helped City win multiple trophies in quick succession.
A decade of more goals?
The scale of his commitment has opened a new debate: can Haaland break Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 goals? He’s far behind that total today, but he’s already smashed single-season records. He has a scoring rate that could see him reach Shearer’s mark if injuries stay away. Alan Shearer set his record across two clubs over a long career, while Haaland seems poised to attempt it primarily in one shirt. Nobody can predict how transfers or changes in management might shape the next decade, yet Haaland’s freshly signed agreement is a statement of intent.
He has also formed a strong personal bond with Manchester. He’s moved into a new house in the area, his family is settled, and he’s expressed no urgency to chase the bright lights of other leagues. His father, Alfie, once wore the Manchester City kit, which adds another layer of meaning to the signing.
Still, long contracts aren’t always guarantees of tenure. Soccer can shift in an instant. The goals could dry up, or Manchester City might decide to rebuild around different strengths. For now, though, the signs are good. Haaland remains focused, and the club is eager to surround him with creators capable of unlocking defenses. Even Pep, who tends to be cautious in his long-term forecasts, seems comfortable with the idea that Haaland could be the face of City for years to come.
It’s not every day that a striker signs up for nearly a decade in one place. Haaland appears to have taken that step with conviction. If he maintains his current scoring rate, and if City maintain their drive to stay on top, he might be remembered not only for what he’s already done but for surpassing a goal tally once thought untouchable.
