Manchester City are expected to demand a premium fee for Erling Haaland even if the club are relegated from the Premier League as a result of their ongoing financial case.
Haaland’s future has become a major question after reports that an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial-rule breaches. No punishment has been imposed, City continue to deny wrongdoing and the club are expected to appeal.
Manchester City maintain strong position over Haaland transfer
Although it is considered unlikely that Haaland would remain at the Etihad Stadium to play in the Championship, relegation would not necessarily make the Norway international available at a reduced price.
Arsenal and Real Madrid have been linked with interest in the 26-year-old, while Barcelona are also understood to retain a long-standing admiration for the striker. Several leading European clubs could reportedly compete for his signature if City drop out of the top flight.
City’s contractual position would give them considerable leverage. Haaland signed a 10-year deal in January 2025, keeping him tied to the club until the summer of 2034, meaning there would be no immediate pressure to accept a cut-price offer.
His record also supports a substantial valuation. City’s 2025 annual report recorded 85 Premier League goals during Haaland’s first three seasons, with the striker scoring once every 95 minutes on average.
Relegation could nevertheless place significant pressure on the situation. If Haaland made clear that he wanted to continue playing Champions League football, City might conclude that retaining an unhappy star would serve little purpose.
Even in those circumstances, competition from Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and other elite clubs could help City protect a sizeable asking price. Any eventual transfer would be expected to involve a significant financial outlay.
An agreement with Arsenal would have an added dimension, as the move would strengthen their attack while removing City’s most dangerous goalscorer. Real Madrid, however, would provide formidable competition for the striker.
For now, relegation remains only one possible outcome of the case. The eventual sanction could instead involve fines or a points deduction, while City’s expected appeal may prolong the process.
That leaves Haaland’s future dependent on developments that have yet to occur, rather than pointing to an imminent transfer battle.
