The Norwegian forward has been at the heart of Manchester City’s attacking success this season, contributing 11 goals across all competitions. His remarkable form has once again highlighted his value to Pep Guardiola’s side, particularly during a period where performance consistency has been under scrutiny.
Despite penning a new 10-year contract earlier this year — a deal that seemingly reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City — Haaland’s future continues to attract attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. Spanish media outlets have repeatedly claimed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta views the striker as his ultimate “dream signing.”
Guardiola Responds to Barcelona Rumours
Speaking in his pre-match press conference before City’s final fixture ahead of the October international break, Guardiola was asked about the latest reports from Spain linking Haaland with the Catalan giants.
“Can you tell me one club who would not want Erling Haaland as a dream signing?” Guardiola responded. “It’s understandable that Barcelona want Erling as a dream — and all the teams around the world. If Erling was not with us, it would be a dream of Manchester City to have him.”
However, the Manchester City boss admitted that the future remains unpredictable, even for players under long-term deals. “What is going to happen? Honestly, I don’t know,” Guardiola continued. “I know he has a long contract here and he’s doing really well, scoring a lot of goals. The team helps him a lot to be in those positions. But in football, who knows what can happen in the future?”
Long-Term Uncertainty Despite Commitment
Pressed further on whether Haaland’s long-term contract confirmed his future at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola added, “I think Erling is not stupid enough to sign something he would not like to accomplish. That’s for sure. But football — nobody knows what will happen in the next few years.”
His remarks, while pragmatic, have reignited speculation about Haaland’s long-term ambitions. Though the striker’s contract theoretically ties him to Manchester City for the next decade, Guardiola’s openness about football’s unpredictability has encouraged talk that a move to La Liga could one day be on the cards.
Haaland’s Focus Remains on the Pitch
For now, Haaland’s focus appears to be fully on helping Manchester City rediscover their peak form following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign. The Blues endured early setbacks in August with defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, prompting concerns that the dominance of recent years might be fading.
Since returning from the September international break, however, City have gone unbeaten across competitions, building momentum ahead of their weekend clash against Keith Andrews’ Brentford side. Haaland’s consistency in front of goal has been vital in that resurgence, and Guardiola will be keen to see his striker maintain this level of performance.
Looking Ahead
The international break may provide Haaland an opportunity to rest or, conversely, to continue sharpening his scoring touch for Norway before returning to Manchester for a demanding run of fixtures in mid-October. While Guardiola’s comments introduce uncertainty over Haaland’s distant future, in the short term, both remain fully aligned on City’s goals — winning trophies and restoring dominance.
FAQs
- Did Pep Guardiola confirm Erling Haaland will stay at Manchester City long-term?
Not explicitly. Guardiola stated Haaland has a long contract but admitted that “nobody knows what will happen in football.”
- Is Barcelona really interested in signing Erling Haaland?
Yes, Spanish reports suggest that Barcelona president Joan Laporta considers Haaland his “dream signing.”
- How many goals has Haaland scored this season?
Haaland has scored 11 goals across all competitions for Manchester City so far this season.
- When did Haaland sign his new contract?
He signed a new 10-year deal with Manchester City earlier this year, extending his stay well into the 2030s.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s latest comments have reignited speculation about Erling Haaland’s long-term future despite the striker’s recent contract renewal. While the Manchester City manager praised Haaland’s professionalism and impact, his acknowledgment of football’s uncertainty leaves the door slightly ajar for future twists. For now, though, Haaland remains central to City’s ambitions — a relentless goal machine focused on driving the club back to the top of English and European football.
