The verdict against Manchester City immediately raises questions about the future of their biggest stars: what would happen to Erling Haaland if the club were relegated to the Championship? Contrary to what some might expect, relegation would not automatically release the Norwegian from his contract. His huge deal with the Citizens would remain valid, meaning City would retain control over his future.
Manchester City have been found guilty of almost all the alleged breaches in the Premier League financial case. The process is now set to continue, particularly through appeals, with potential sanctions representing the next stage of the case. Among the possibilities being discussed is a severe sporting penalty that could even result in exclusion from the Premier League. Such a scenario would cause a major shock at Manchester City, with Haaland’s future immediately becoming one of the biggest issues.
Haaland has no special relegation clause
The key detail is that Haaland reportedly does not have a clause allowing him to automatically leave Manchester City in the event of relegation. Reports published after the verdict suggest his contract contains no specific mechanism that would release him in such circumstances. The Norwegian signed a spectacular contract extension with City in January 2025, tying him to the club until 2034, when he will be 34. Even if City were playing in the Championship, Haaland would therefore remain legally under contract. Relegation would neither make him a free agent nor force Manchester City to sell him.
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However, that does not necessarily mean City would keep Haaland in the Championship. Relegation could lead the player and the club to negotiate a transfer. Keeping one of the most expensive players in the squad while playing in the second tier would represent a major sporting and financial decision, while Haaland could face a season without Champions League football or top-level European competition. Any interested club would therefore have to reach an agreement directly with Manchester City. Former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta has suggested that a transfer would probably still cost more than €100 million, mentioning Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as possible destinations, although this is his own assessment rather than evidence of ongoing negotiations.
There have also previously been reports of a possible release mechanism becoming active later in Haaland’s contract, potentially from 2029 and with a gradually decreasing amount, but neither its existence nor its terms have been officially confirmed by Manchester City. In the short term, the key point is much simpler: relegation would not allow Haaland to leave for free or automatically. A departure from the Etihad would most likely require both the player’s desire to move and, crucially, an agreement with Manchester City. If the eventual punishment does include relegation, Haaland’s future could quickly become one of the biggest transfer stories.
