Erling Haaland reportedly has an "escape route" out of Manchester City to Real Madrid, in a hugely concerning development for Pep Guardiola.
On current form, Haaland is arguably best player in the world, with the Norwegian in genuine unstoppable form so far this season, scoring 11 goals in just nine Premier League appearances.
He is a priceless figure for City, holding the key to Guardiola's side's title challenge, and at just 25, he is still such a young player, despite already achieving so much in his career.
Incredibly, Haaland is contracted at City until the summer of 2034, having committed his long-term future to the club, but that doesn't mean there isn't a threat of losing him at some point.
Madrid have been linked with a move for the City superstar, with the Spanish giants so often eyeing up the best footballers on the planet, and now a worrying update has dropped regarding their pursuit of him.
Haaland has "escape route" out of Man City
According to journalist Jorge Picon [via Sport Witness], Haaland has an "escape route" to Madrid in a release clause at Manchester City, and is keen on making a move there.
"He would very much like to play for Real Madrid, as his own entourage confirms. Furthermore, as his agent Rafaela Pimienta has repeatedly stated, he is the master of his own destiny. He has an escape route from Manchester City, a release clause whose exact figure is still unknown."
Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts
It goes without saying that City losing Haaland would be the biggest blow imaginable, with the striker an irreplaceable figure who has been lauded as a "phenomenon" by Pat Nevin, with Guardiola saying he is in the form of his life back in September.
"Erling has been incredible. This season, he is better than ever. I would say it's better than the treble season. Very dynamic. We want him to score goals and to help us."
The lure of Madrid is great for so many players, and it is only natural that Haaland may like the idea of playing alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he appears to be loving life at City, and has committed his future to the club.
Players in the modern game often don't see out their contracts, so there will always be a risk of Haaland moving on, but it would be a shock if he suddenly stressed a desire to leave for Madrid so soon after signing such a long contract extension at the Etihad.
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