Erling Haaland signs huge nine-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City

It's understood to be one of the 'most lucrative sporting contracts ever'

The new deal, reported by the Athletic, will keep the Norwegian striker at the Etihad Stadium until the summer 2034, when he will be turning 34.

Haaland's previous contract at City was due to expire in June 2027, but he has now extended his stay at the reigning Premier League champions.

According to the Athletic, the new contract is understood to be "among the most lucrative sporting contracts ever."

The exact figures involved in the new deal are currently unclear though.

Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund for €60m in 2022, and has gone on to have a staggering impact, scoring 111 goals in just 126 games.

During his time at the club so far, he has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

There had been some speculation in recent months linking Haaland with a move to Real Madrid, however Haaland is reportedly very happy with his life in Manchester and representing City.

The almost-decade long contract means Haaland will no doubt stay at the Etihad longer than current manager Pep Guardiola, who signed a two-year extension last November, keeping him at the club until 2027.

Haaland's contract extension is a remarkable commitment to City. The team have struggled on the pitch in recent months and are facing huge uncertainty off it as they await the outcome of their legal battle with the Premier League over alleged financial rule breaches.

The deal also means there is a very real prospect of the Norwegian potentially overtaking Alan Shearer as the all-time Premier League top goalscorer.

After just two-and-a-half seasons in the league, Haaland has 79 goals. Whilst this means he is still 181 goals off Shearer's record of 260, he would only need to average around 19 goals a season to surpass this tally if he saw out the entirety of his contract.