18 May 2023 , 06:42
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The agent of Erling Haaland has kept his cards close to her chest when asked if her client has a release clause inserted into his lucrative Manchester City contract.
The Norwegian has enjoyed one of the most remarkable debut seasons ever seen in English football, with a staggering 52 goals to his name across all competitions. His strikes are a large part of the reason why City are still fighting on three fronts and on course for the treble.
For that reason, the fee of £51million that City paid Borussia Dortmund for his services last year looks like quite the bargain, though the contract he signed and what's included in it has been up for discussion for some time.
It was initially claimed in some quarters that Haaland's City contract contained a £150million release clause that would come into effect in the summer of 2024. However after a record-breaking campaign in which there have been numerous questions asked about Haaland's contract at the Etihad and his situation, it is unclear if Haaland's transfer clause remains in place.
The striker's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, was recently asked directly about the status of the release clause given Guardiola is now staying put for the time being.
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When faced with questions regarding the issue from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Pimenta issued a light-hearted response as she replied: "I have nothing to clarify.
"The mystery of this story is nice because nobody knows where it is, like a treasure chest. It's more beautiful and, as a lawyer, I can't reveal contracts."
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Erling Haaland has scored a stunning 52 goals this season (Getty Images)Pimenta was also grilled on where Haaland could move to next, but she did not name a specific club, instead adding: "Wherever he wants. He is a player that has never been seen. For me, his quality in everything and his ability to evolve are very impressive."
Haaland has been touted with a move to Real Madrid after his time in Manchester is over, but after City destroyed the Spanish titans in their Champions League semi-final second-leg on Wednesday, there's every chance the 22-year-old snubs Los Blancos.
After the first meeting in Madrid ended 1-1, the tie was hanging in the balance but a dominant City performance on their own patch saw them run-out 4-0 winners on the night and 5-1 on aggregate across the two legs.
Following the full-time whistle, City boss Guardiola admitted his players can now dare to dream of winning the treble.
"We're there now and the players can think about it, visualise it," he explained. "We're three games away. One in each competition. We can do it."