Man City: Guardiola ‘willing to exchange’ Haaland for one Real Madrid star amid ‘secret clause’

Manchester City’s 2024/25 season has been a rollercoaster, with the defending Premier League champions finishing third, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, after a campaign marred by injuries and inconsistency. Amid this backdrop, manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to a seismic transfer move, contemplating a swap deal that would see star striker Erling Haaland leave for Real Madrid in exchange for Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes. The audacious proposal, fueled by a reported “secret clause” in Haaland’s contract, has sent shockwaves through the football world, igniting speculation about the Norwegian’s future at the Etihad Stadium. “It’s going to happen when Erling decides to extend the contract or not, or when we have potential offers to him,” Guardiola said, addressing the swirling rumors. “We want him—for a long, long time at this club. We are in love with him.”

Haaland, who signed a record-breaking nine-and-a-half-year contract extension with City until 2034, remains a cornerstone of the team, having scored 23 goals in 30 appearances this season despite a dip in form compared to his 52-goal debut campaign in 2022/23. His new deal, reportedly worth £500,000 per week, was hailed as a commitment to City’s project, with Guardiola noting, “When one player decides to sign this type of contract, it’s because he wants to show how he wants to be here.” Yet, whispers of a release clause—effective from 2029 or 2030 for a significant sum—have kept clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona circling. “I am in favor of freedom,” Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, told Spanish media, emphasizing her philosophy of ensuring players retain control over their futures with such clauses.

The proposed swap centers on Rodrygo, a 24-year-old Real Madrid star who has become one of Guardiola’s “top targets.” Rodrygo’s versatility, pace, and flair make him an ideal fit for City’s fluid attacking system, especially as they navigate the absence of key midfielder Rodri, injured since September 2024. “The Brazil international has become one of Pep Guardiola’s top targets,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, noting that Real Madrid’s reluctance to sell could soften if Haaland, valued at £147 million, is part of the deal. Rodrygo’s 17 goals and nine assists in the 2024/25 La Liga season have drawn interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, but City’s Champions League pedigree and Guardiola’s tactical vision give them an edge. “If someone wants Erling, it’s easy. Call Man City and ask,” Guardiola quipped, signaling openness to negotiations.

The backdrop to this potential blockbuster is City’s turbulent season and ongoing legal challenges. Facing 115 charges for alleged financial fair play breaches, with a verdict expected in March 2025, City could face penalties ranging from fines to relegation. This uncertainty has fueled speculation about Haaland’s long-term commitment, despite his insistence: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club.” Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney critiqued Haaland’s mentality after he passed a penalty to teammate Omar Marmoush in City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, saying, “That’s what separates those two players from Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé. They are selfish and they want to score every game.” City’s January signings, including Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez, have bolstered the squad, but Haaland’s 22 Premier League goals remain central to their attack.

Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland is no secret, with president Florentino Pérez reportedly viewing him as the final piece in their star-studded lineup alongside Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. Social media posts have amplified the buzz, with one fan noting, “Pérez dreams of Haaland to complete Real’s galactico era.” However, Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, once suggested a shorter stint at City, saying, “He could stay at City for 15 years… but I think he wants to prove himself in all leagues.” Despite this, Haaland’s recent comments affirm his happiness: “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters.” As City prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup clash against Al-Hilal and a crucial Premier League run, the Haaland-Rodrygo swap rumor underscores the high stakes of modern football’s transfer market, with Guardiola’s strategic vision hanging in the balance.

 

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