Football fans were all saying the same thing after Manchester City confirmed that Erling Haaland has signed one of the biggest contracts in football history.
Haaland has put pen to paper on a stunning nine-and-a-half-year contract to tie his future to the Premier League champions until at least 2034.
As reported by Mail Sport, the superstar striker will receive a £400,000-a-week increase to his pay package, while two release clauses in his previous terms have not been reinstated, all but ending a future move to LaLiga.
It was believed that Haaland, who joined City three years ago for £51 million, was one day planning a move to Spain – with long-term admirers of Real Madrid – and he is said to have entertained the idea in recent times friends have repeated. last two years.
But his new contract now covers the next ten seasons and could keep him at the Etihad until he is 34, signaling a seismic change in direction.
However, the extension comes despite City awaiting the outcome of their hearing into their alleged financial misconduct, after being accused of 130 breaches of Premier League rules. They are also accused of failing to cooperate with an investigation.
The club was originally hit with 115 charges, before a further 15 were later added.
Should City, who vehemently deny any wrongdoing, be found guilty, they could face crippling financial penalties, points deductions or even relegation.
The hearing concluded on December 6 and boss Pep Guardiola announced last month that he expects the verdict to be announced in February.
But deflated social media users believe Haaland's staggering signing means City's off-field headaches are already a done deal.
“Yeah, they really got away with the 115 charges, didn't they?” said one X user.
Another posted: 'Alexa – tell me how Man City got away with the 115 charges without telling me they got off with the 115 charges…'
A third said: 'Confirms City know they won't get any real punishment for the '115 charges' nonsense the rest of the PL are using as an excuse to bend over backwards for them.
“There's not a chance he'll sign that long if there's any chance of something major happening.”
“From the signatures from the City and this new contract it appears that the Premier League has absolutely bottled the #115 charge,” said another account.
'City would never do business this way if they were faced with relegation or a substantial points deduction that would force relegation.'
'Surely a ten-year contract extension means that those 115 charges were a farce and just a waste of time? Absolutely hilarious how the crimes this institution commits every year just disappear under the desk,” another user wrote.
'Premier League is simply Ligue 1 with high camera quality.'
A sixth user posted: 'I hope people realize that the biggest benefit of the Haaland expansion is that we beat the 115 charges 100 percent.
'There is no chance of the club offering that contract, or Haaland accepting it, unless there is a firm belief within the City Group that they will not be punished.'
“Manchester City need to know about the 115 charges or we wouldn't be making any major signings or contract extensions,” another added. “It shouldn't be guilty.”
Haaland has scored 111 goals in 126 games since joining from Borussia Dortmund for £51m and was a key reason why City won the Treble in 2023.
“I'm super happy and proud,” Haaland said. 'I'm looking forward to staying here for a long time. Now I can fully concentrate on getting better, because I'm going to be here for so long. Complete focus on performing and getting better to give fans what they want.
“In the end, given the hunger and support I have received over the years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep (Guardiola), it was an easy decision. I'm very happy.'
“It's a very welcoming club where you are really well looked after,” Haaland continued: “I think that's also very important when you talk to people. You really feel at home here and that's the first great thing.
“When I spoke to Pep, the best manager in the world, it's also great to talk to him and train and play under him every day. To get his input about me and how I can become a better footballer and develop even further.
'He's the best. Of course you are here to win trophies, to perform, to be your best and to perform at your best. That's what you have to do here, because you come here. People expect you to win trophies and that's why you're here.'
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