Manchester City could face a major challenge in keeping Erling Haaland if the club is relegated from the Premier League.
However, the English giants are reportedly determined not to lose their star striker without receiving a substantial transfer fee.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City expect the Norwegian international to seek a move elsewhere if the club drops out of England’s top division.
Despite that possibility, City are unwilling to accept a reduced offer for one of their most valuable players.
Arsenal and Real Madrid have reportedly already made contact regarding a potential transfer, while several other leading European clubs are believed to be monitoring developments.
Haaland’s contract situation gives Manchester City considerable negotiating power. The 26-year-old signed a long-term agreement in January 2025 that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2034.
Reports also indicate that his contract does not contain a relegation release clause.
This means that even if Manchester City are relegated, interested clubs would still need to negotiate a transfer fee rather than automatically securing his departure.
The uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s future comes as Manchester City face potential sanctions relating to their financial dispute with the Premier League.
Although relegation has been discussed as a possible punishment, the final outcome remains uncertain, and the club intends to challenge adverse findings.
For Arsenal and Real Madrid, the situation presents a potential opportunity to pursue one of Europe’s most prominent strikers.
However, Manchester City’s reported determination to demand a substantial fee could make negotiations extremely complicated.
There is currently no confirmed agreement for Haaland to leave Manchester City, and any potential transfer would depend on the outcome of the club’s legal situation, the player’s intentions and negotiations with interested clubs.
For now, Haaland remains under contract at Manchester City, but the possibility of relegation has introduced fresh uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
Source: Football Insider, September 28, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 15 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +4 | 12 |
| 3 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +11 | 10 |
| 4 | Brentford | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +6 | 9 |
| 5 | Leeds United | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +4 | 9 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 9 |
| 7 | Everton | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 9 |
| 8 | Hull City | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | +2 | 8 |
| 9 | Newcastle United | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| 10 | Chelsea | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 7 |
| 11 | Ipswich Town | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 6 |
| 12 | Manchester United | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 | Nottingham Forest | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 5 |
| 14 | Sunderland | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 4 |
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
| 16 | Aston Villa | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
| 17 | Bournemouth | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -2 | 3 |
| 18 | Coventry City | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -9 | 3 |
| 19 | Fulham | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -3 | 2 |
| 20 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -6 | 2 |
