Erling Haaland is undoubtedly the best striker in the world at the moment. The Norwegian goal machine has been an absolute menace for defenses across Europe, and he has spearheaded Manchester City to a historic treble in the process. But how much did City pay for his spectacular services?
Can’t believe Haaland announced himself a City player on 10th June 2022 and won the treble with ManCity on 10th June 2023.
Just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/lY7Fcn3OlH
— happy flowers team (@ManCityKD) June 28, 2023
The 22-year-old spent two seasons at Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund prior to joining City. And he made quite a name for himself at BVB. Haaland burst onto the scene after netting a 23-minute hattrick during his very first game in Yellow, and the goals didn’t stop coming from thereon.
The striker finished his first full season at Dortmund with 41 goals in as many games. An injury-hit second season saw that figure drop to 29 goals in just 31 matches.
Despite being relatively young, the Norwegian’s speed, tenacity, aggression, and sheer power have always stood out. And so, it came as no surprise that Haaland was being courted by the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. Eventually, though, it was the Citizens who swooped in last summer and got their man.
In terms of finances, Haaland was never going to come cheap. But with that said, City managed to get him a bargain on the transfer fees. They triggered the release clause in his contract with BVB, one that was valued at $65 million.
The spending didn’t stop there of course, as City invested an additional $55 million across a whole assortment of commissions, paid out to members of his camp.
Thanks to his release clause, Haaland’s transfer fee was relatively low at £52m, though there are also £44m additional fees (agent, father’s commission), giving £96m total cost. Based on weekly £375k salary, the cost over 5-year contract is £98m, giving £193m total commitment. pic.twitter.com/o9IOCfb78D
— Swiss Ramble (@SwissRamble) June 16, 2022
Then come to the premium wages fit for a superstar in the making. Haaland’s agents managed to negotiate a bumper contract with the club. The Norwegian’s weekly wage sits at a whopping $475,000, making him the second-highest-paid player in the Premier League. After factoring in various bonuses, his annual salary at the club is said to be around the $35 million figure.
To sum up, while Manchester City managed to save a ton of money on the base transfer fee, they had to pay exorbitant amounts on other aspects of the deal. In total, the club has reportedly made a financial commitment worth $245 million towards Erling Haaland.
Was Erling Haaland worth it for Manchester City?
At the risk of stating the obvious, he was absolutely worth it for the club. Haaland’s stats alone tell the story of how crucial he has been to Manchester City this season. The Norwegian has netted an incredible 52 goals in 53 matches while guiding the Citizens to a long-awaited Champions League title.
🍿🤖 Here is every single goal by Erling Haaland from his debut season in the Premier League. 36 goals and counting! pic.twitter.com/uFydkFNSeM
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 22, 2023
But stepping away from the stats, there isn’t enough that can be said about what he offers to Pep Guardiola’s side. Throughout the season, Haaland has offered a man-in-behind option for City’s passers and a combination option for their advanced players.
And most importantly, a player that the team can always rely on. All this at just 22 years of age as well. Erling Haaland could possibly be the best bit of business Manchester City has ever done.