Teammate shares Erling Haaland’s thoughts on Man City’s guilty verdict after contract info ‘leaks’
Norway defender Kristoffer Ajer recently shared how Erling Haaland is feeling after Manchester City were found guilty of almost all charges brought against them by the Premier League over financial rule breaches from a few years ago. Like all his teammates at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland will likely feel the impact once the club faces punishment.
City were found guilty of 114 financial rule breaches between 2008/09 and 2017/18, a time when they won three Premier League titles. Right now, any penalty could be possible—from losing points or being kicked out of the top league to a transfer ban. The club continues to fight the charges and has until October 2 to appeal.
Everyone involved with City has had to wait anxiously during the international break, worried about what might happen next. Haaland is one of several players who might leave if City get relegated. He recently signed a huge nine-and-a-half-year deal worth around £260 million, paying him about £500,000 a week, and unlike others, his contract doesn’t include a clause letting him leave if the club drops out of the top division.
When asked how Haaland is handling it, teammate Kristoffer Ajer said the striker remains “fully focused” during this Nations League break. “He’s the same as always with the national team,” Ajer said. “He’s focused on the games ahead and is just waiting to see what happens with the club. Right now, his main focus is the match against Wales tomorrow. That’s just how he approaches things.”
Ajer added that Haaland hasn’t changed one bit since the trouble started. “From the moment I met him, he has brought energy and joy to the group. Even though he’s one of the biggest stars in the world now, he’s still the same humble and focused guy. The last few days have been no different.”
In this break, Haaland has scored three goals for Norway—two in a big win over Denmark and one in a close loss to Portugal. When City return from the break to face Liverpool, the team will face a tough mental challenge as they deal with the verdict.
Many players might be thinking about leaving, including Haaland, who already has lots of interest from other clubs. Arsenal and Real Madrid have reportedly contacted his representatives, and Haaland is said to have no desire to stay if City are kicked out of the league. Barcelona, who have admired him for a long time, are also keen on signing the talented striker. Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has scored an amazing 169 goals in 205 games.