Haaland renews contract with exit clause, alerting Barcelona and Madrid

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City forward, is reportedly set to renew his contract, which will include an exit clause that could attract interest from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. This renewal comes after Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund under a five-year deal that featured a release clause of $66.5 million. The new contract is expected to make him the highest-paid player in the squad, surpassing Kevin De Bruyne. The exit clause is significant, as it allows non-Premier League clubs to trigger it for amounts speculated to be between $110 million and $230 million. This has led to speculation about Real Madrid's interest in Haaland, particularly as a backup option if they fail to secure Kylian Mbappe. The presence of an exit clause means that Haaland will retain control over his future, regardless of his commitment to Manchester City. Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, may consider making a move for Haaland a key promise in his campaign for re-election in 2026, despite the club's financial struggles. The potential for Haaland to leave City could reignite transfer rumors, especially given the historical rivalry between the two Spanish giants for top talent. In summary, Haaland's contract renewal with an exit clause not only solidifies his position at Manchester City but also keeps the door open for potential transfers to major clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, ensuring that he remains a highly sought-after player in European football.