The Clause?

Before the Manchester Derby, Erling Haaland was asked why he wasn't playing for Manchester United. It's no longer news that the Norwegian goalscorer was given his professional debut by Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solksjær at Molde, and he moved to Austria having caught attention with irrepressible goalscoring displays. With Haaland about to leave Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, he looked destined for Old Trafford. Back then, Solksjær was the manager of Manchester United so nothing could go wrong.

Haaland's answer to the question he was asked before last Sunday's derby was that the reporter should go ask Solksjær why he isn't playing for Manchester United. Of course, some nonsensical reporters ran with the storyline that Haaland is blaming Solksjær for not signing him to United. However, just two days after the derby, another news broke. It was rumoured that Man City wanted to renegotiate a particular clause in Haaland's contract that allows him to join Real Madrid for a reduced fee after two years. As expected, Man City denied vehemently - I won't be surprised if they find the source of that rumour and threaten legal action.

When Haaland moved to Dortmund while it seemed a deal to Manchester United was all but agreed, this same rumour was floated. Raiola wanted Man U to sign this particular clause so that Haaland can move on for a particular fee after two years. Evidently, the management board rejected the clause stating clearly that Man United is not some little club to serve as a stepping stone for the Norwegian striker. Dortmund agreed to this and they were powerless to stop his move to Man City. Reliable sources have it that this clause is the singular reason why Haaland didn't sign for Manchester United (Although, I think Roy Keane's career ending tackle on Haaland Snr. might have played a part).

The question now is, is this rumoured clause truly in Haaland's contract? What is so special about Madrid that everyone is going crazy about playing for them? This reminds me of 2008 when Ronaldo was ready for war with Ferguson just to push through a deal to Madrid - the Madrid team back then was getting embarrassed at every turn by Barcelona and couldn't even go beyond the second round of the Champions League. Chelsea chased Luka Modric for a whole season but Daniel Levy won't sell. The next season, Modric was sold to Madrid for a lesser fee than Chelsea was willing to pay. What is it about Madrid that allows them to get whatever player they want whenever they want them?

Despite the noise-making by the British media about how their league is the best in the world, the two teams most players want to play for are Madrid and Barcelona. For now, we may not know how true the rumoured getaway clause in Haaland's contract is. One thing that looks certain for the prolific striker is that he'll likely end up at Madrid or Barcelona at one point in his career. The pull of those two teams is simply indescribable.

Image Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/JQ9FXN235T28gEK26



0
0
0.000
7 comments
avatar

Despite the noise-making by the British media about how their league is the best in the world.

The English media are just a bunch of blind fools, I remembered when they were all over Sancho but now look what is happening, Sancho seems to be mid. Real Madrid and Barcelona are dreams clubs for players, Raphinha had to dumped Chelsea for Barcelona even when the club was facing a financial crisis, and Frankie De Jong agreed to reduce his wages just to stay at the club when he had a better offer at United.

0
0
0.000
avatar

They are specialists at noisemaking and hyping. They've relied heavily on foreigners to augment the talent gap yet, they won't stop making noise about any local player who displayed the most little of football brains.

0
0
0.000
avatar

The lure of Madrid and Barca really is great!

0
0
0.000
avatar

How those two have managed to build their brand is unbelievable. Imagine Lewandowski forcing a move to struggling Barcelona from a dominant Bayern. Any player Madrid wants, Madrid gets.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Although am not too conversant with football especially all these league but the two teams are among the raining one wishing them the very Best 🙏
Reading from @dreemport

0
0
0.000
avatar

Thank you for coming through from Dreemport

0
0
0.000