Erling Haaland in action for Man City, with Pep Guardiola in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sat 21 March 2026 17:00, UK
Erling Haaland is not set to leave Manchester City this summer despite interest in his services from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Haaland has suffered a slight drop off in form in recent weeks, with his last league goal coming against Fulham on 11 February.
He has still bagged 33 goals in 46 appearances for Man City so far this season, but their struggles have led to doubts around his future at the club.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, City have no plans to let Haaland leave anytime soon.
It looks as if Man City’s summer transfer plans will centre around incomings in other positions, rather than looking for a new striker to replace the big Norwegian frontman.
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Real Madrid and Barcelona stand little chance of signing Erling Haaland
Haaland is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world for his impressive rate of scoring, but City need him to step up and deliver more over the coming weeks as they aim to leapfrog Arsenal in the title race.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen admirers of the 25-year-old, but neither club is in the frame to sign him this summer.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2022-23 53 52 9
2023-24 45 38 6
2024-25 44 31 4
2025-26 (as of 21 March) 46 33 8
Erling Haaland’s Man City stats by season
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I don’t see any way that Manchester City will be opening any doors for Erling Haaland to leave. He signed a new long-term contract last January, which keeps him at the Etihad until 2031.
“Obviously he’s not been at his best, but think probably that’s because Manchester City have not been at their best either. Maybe they’re not functioning as fluently as they were at the start of the season.
“Manchester City will be very keen to keep him and build around Haaland rather than letting him leave.
“But the rumours with Barcelona and Real Madrid, they’re never going to go away because he will be such a dream signing for both of those clubs.”
Man City want Vincent Kompany to replace Pep Guardiola
City’s biggest focus this summer could well be on replacing legendary boss Guardiola, who may leave the club after 10 years if they go trophyless once again.
There are several managers in the frame to succeed him at the Etihad, with Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique both tipped to do so ahead of next season.
Sources have, however, exclusively revealed to Football Insider that City would like Kompany to replace Guardiola, and he is their board’s “top choice” to be their next manager.
Despite this, Maresca is more likely to be City’s new boss at this stage, given that Kompany’s contract at Bayern Munich runs until 2029 and the ex-Chelsea manager remains out of work as it stands.
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