Manchester City prepared to re-negotiate with Erling Haaland over new contract

It is safe to say that ever since Erling Haaland put on a Manchester City shirt for the first time, there has not been a more in-form striker in Europe.

Scoring a stunning hat-trick in his first Manchester Derby on Sunday afternoon, the Norwegian took his goal tally to a staggering 14 in just eight Premier League games.

In the process, the 22-year-old also became the fastest player in the history of the competition to reach his third hat-trick in the English top-flight.

For context, the Norway international smashed Michael Owen’s previously held record of doing the same in 48 matches, in as less as just eight for Manchester City.

While many felt it would take a season of adaptation for Haaland to feel at home at the Etihad Stadium, such beliefs have been made to look comical by the all-conquering goalscorer.

As Manchester City rejoice about now having a once-in-a-generation player at their disposal, fears remain that he could depart the club after his rumoured release clause is triggered in a couple of years’ time.

With the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all chasing the youngster’s signature in the summer, there has never been a shortage of suitors for the now-Manchester City superstar.

Considering Alfie Haaland’s comments in the former Borussia Dortmund talisman’s latest documentary, ‘Haaland - The Big Decision’ about his son’s desire to experience playing in every top European league for a short period, worries around his future are understandable.

However, a new update has suggested that City have already planned to put all such doubts to bed by securing the player’s even longer-term future.

As per a report by the Daily Star, Manchester City could 'rip up' Erling Haaland’s current contract.

The former RB Salzburg forward's current Etihad deal runs until the summer of 2027, however Etihad officials could hand him a brand-new deal as soon as May next year.

It has also been mentioned that a potential pay rise could be in line for the prolific marksman, who is currently the joint-highest paid player at the club alongside Kevin De Bruyne.

Another alternative that could be in place if the Manchester City hierarchy wish not to unsettle their wage structure is to offer lucrative bonus packages and add-ons for the Leeds-born forward.

The likes of Ederson, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias have previously been afforded new deals and an increase in wages after impressing in their first year at the club.

With a number of clubs expected to circle around Erling Haaland’s signature in a few years’ time, Manchester City’s foresight is admirable in this scenario.