Erling Haaland tipped to stay at Man City despite Real Madrid links as transfer warning issued

Erling Haaland is unlikely to remain at Manchester City until the end of his contract in 2034, according to former defender Joleon Lescott, but any club hoping to sign the Norwegian superstar has been warned they will have to pay an enormous transfer fee.

Despite continued interest from Real Madrid, Lescott believes City are under no pressure to sell one of the world’s most prolific strikers.

Haaland remains central to City’s future

Haaland committed his long-term future to Manchester City by signing a remarkable 10-year contract that runs until 2034.

The deal came after two hugely successful seasons that saw him help City win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

Since arriving at the Etihad, the Norwegian has established himself as one of football’s elite forwards, scoring an incredible 162 goals in 198 appearances while further enhancing his reputation with an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign for Norway.

With Pep Guardiola gone and Enzo Maresca now leading the club, Haaland remains the cornerstone of City’s new era.

Lescott doubts Haaland will stay until 2034

Speaking exclusively to GOAL in association with Unibet Online Casino, Lescott admitted he would be surprised if Haaland saw out the full length of his contract.

“I’d be surprised if he stays for eight years,” Lescott said.

“I don’t see him leaving any time soon.

“Who knows, he may want the Premier League record in terms of goals, so that may be his ambition.

“But I don’t know. I’m not nervous about him leaving in the next two or three seasons, if that’s the question.”

The former England international also believes the lengthy contract serves another important purpose.

“I think an eight-year contract protects you from potential bidders.

“I don’t think his value is ever going to go down in that time, so I think that’s a factor in regards to the contract length.”

Real Madrid interest remains impossible to ignore

Speculation surrounding a future move to Real Madrid refuses to disappear.

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, recently acknowledged the attraction of the Spanish giants while insisting his son remains happy in Manchester.

“A move to Real Madrid? He’s very happy at Manchester City and has a long contract,” he said.

“We’re waiting for the new season, but anyone would want to play for Madrid. You never know what can happen in football.”

Lescott warns Real Madrid over transfer fee

While acknowledging Madrid’s global appeal, Lescott believes prising Haaland away from City would require one of the biggest transfer fees in football history.

“Definitely, even players from Manchester, players from England, it’s Real Madrid so they appeal,” he explained.

“But in regards to the Galacticos, they do sign them, but they don’t always buy them, so that has to be an element.”

Lescott stressed that City’s negotiating position remains incredibly strong.

“Erling Haaland is not going to be cheap, and he’s arguably one of the most important players in Manchester City’s squad, so that is going to be considered if Manchester City decide to sell him.

“They’re not going to be selling him because he’s not scoring goals, so he’s going to be at the peak of his powers, at one of the best teams in the world, with another team trying to buy him – and a rival in the Champions League – so that fee isn’t going to be small.”

Final verdict

Although Haaland may not spend the next eight years at Manchester City, there is little indication that an exit is imminent.

With a long-term contract, consistent goalscoring form and City holding all the leverage, Real Madrid or any other interested club would likely have to break transfer records to lure one of world football’s biggest stars away from the Etihad Stadium.