Erling Haaland has now reportedly made a shock decision regarding his future at Manchester City.
The Norwegian sensation netted his record-breaking 50th goal of the season in the Citizens' 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, the most by any Premier League player across all competitions in a single campaignn.
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With the striker continuing to break records, City are understood to have set their sights on keeping him at the club longer than they had initially intended, with talks on a new deal said to be underway.
The Leeds-born star joined the Manchester club in July 2022 in a deal lasting until 2027, one that included a €200 million (R4 billion) release clause that is set to come into effect in July 2024.
Despite playing for arguably the best team in the world right now, however, the 22-year-old is reportedly not fully committed to staying at the Etihad for the full period of his current deal.
According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, Haaland has now rejected City's request to remove the release clause in his contract and extend his stay at the Etihad for a further year, despite them offering him a significant pay rise too.
"Haaland signed until 2027 with a release clause for next year of 200 million [euros] and Manchester City has offered him to extend his contract until 2028, and instead of earning €32 million (R646 million) net per season, earn €40 million (R808 million) until 2028," Inda told El Chiringuito de Jugones.
"[Haaland] has said no, advised by his agent Rafaela Pimenta. City tells him to cancel the release clause after seeing how he is playing, that he couldn't expect less.
"City offers him more money and a bonus for goals scored, but he has said no."
Speaking during the Financial Times' Soccer and Industry Forum event last month, Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta appeared to stoke speculation regarding a potential switch to Real Madrid for the Norway superstar in the future.
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"There is the Premier League and there is Real Madrid," she said, per Fichajes.
"They have something of their own that makes them the dreams of footballers.
"Madrid has that magic. They have the Champions League."
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