Manchester City are reportedly facing challenges in securing the long-term future of their star striker, Erling Haaland, due to ongoing negotiations over a release clause. The club, eager to reward Haaland for his exceptional performances since his arrival, is looking to extend his stay beyond the current contract, which still has three years left.

However, discussions have hit a roadblock, according to a report from Football Insider, as Haaland insists on including a release clause in any new deal.

Haaland, who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, has made an incredible impact on English football. The Norwegian striker has rapidly established himself as one of the world’s most lethal forwards, helping City achieve both domestic and European success. Most notably, he played a key role in helping the club secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in the 2022–23 season.

In just 102 appearances for the Premier League champions, Haaland has scored an astonishing 97 goals, adding 14 assists to his tally. His relentless goal-scoring form has made him an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, and his value to the team has only increased since his debut.

Despite his current contract running until 2027, Manchester City is keen to tie him down for even longer, hoping to ward off interest from other European heavyweights. The club believes that offering him an improved deal is a way to both reward his performances and secure his future at the Etihad Stadium.

While Haaland is reportedly open to signing a new contract, the sticking point remains his demand for a release clause, which is causing the negotiations to stall. Haaland’s camp, having previously secured a similar clause during his time at Borussia Dortmund, is pushing for a comparable arrangement in his City deal.

This clause at Dortmund allowed City to acquire him for a relatively low figure of £51 million by triggering the clause, though additional agent fees and signing bonuses raised the total cost to £86 million.

Haaland’s insistence on a release clause in his new contract stems from his desire to retain some control over his future. European giants, particularly Real Madrid, have been heavily linked with the striker in recent months. The Spanish club is often viewed as a potential future destination for Haaland, and a reasonable release clause would give him the flexibility to pursue a move should the opportunity arise.

From City’s perspective, the club is wary of including such a clause, particularly after witnessing how it facilitated his move from Dortmund. Including a release clause could once again make Haaland vulnerable to an approach from Europe’s biggest clubs, especially if the fee is set at a manageable level for clubs like Real Madrid. City, having invested in Haaland as a long-term asset, want to ensure they remain in control of his future and avoid a scenario where they could lose him prematurely.

Haaland’s incredible potential and young age—he is only 24 years old—make him one of the most sought-after talents in world football. Therefore, City is determined to avoid a repeat of the Dortmund situation, where a set release clause was activated, triggering his departure.

With the negotiations currently at a standstill, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached between the two parties. Haaland’s representatives are likely to continue pushing for the release clause, while City may attempt to either delay such an agreement or propose terms that allow them greater flexibility and security in retaining their star forward.