KEY POINTS

  • Erling Haaland scored a brace in City's 5-0 win
  • Haaland has scored 19 goals in 12 games for City this season
  • City's next game is against Southampton in the Premier League

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland does not have a Real Madrid-clause on his current contract.

There have been rumors suggesting that Haaland has a clause in his contract with Manchester City that would allow the Norwegian forward to leave for Real Madrid in 2024 for a fee of $197 million. However, Guardiola has rubbished it before adding Haaland is "happy" at Etihad.

"It is not true. He does not have a release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. Rumours, people talk. We have to be worried about what we can control. I have the feeling he is very happy here and we will try to make people happy here. He is settled perfectly, incredibly beloved," Guardiola told reporters Wednesday.

Guardiola's comments came after Haaland struck a brace in Manchester City's 5-0 victory over Copenhagen in the Champions League. With that, the 22-year-old forward took his goals tally to 19 in 12 games for City across all competitions. Haaland has also provided three assists.

Ever since Haaland made his $58 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in the summer, the young forward has been on fire. He has struck hat-tricks in his last three Premier League games at Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland has scored 19 goals for Man City in 12 appearances
Erling Haaland moved from Dortmund to City in the 2022 summer AFP

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish heaped praise on Haaland, who was subbed off at half-time, after the incredible win against Copenhagen.

"It's unbelievable honestly. I've never witnessed anything like it in my life. For the first and second goals, I was just laughing. He is always there. The keeper said something to me as I was walking back. He said 'he's not human!' I said 'you're telling me?' Hopefully, he can carry on this form and take us to glory," Grealish said in an interview with BT Sport, Goal reported.

Manchester City are yet to win the coveted Champions League trophy. They made it to the final in the 2020-21 season but lost 1-0 to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Guardiola and Co. are next scheduled to host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday. The Etihad side is placed second in the 2022-23 table with 20 points, one less than leaders Arsenal.

Real Madrid