Erling Haaland has confirmed he has purchased a property in Abu Dhabi as part of Ohana Residencies' collaboration with Manchester City. The company is building a development that includes a range of different properties in the United Arab Emirates capital.
While which of the houses Haaland has bought is not clear, options range from a two-bedroom townhouse for more than £770,000 to a bespoke estate costing in excess of £7.25 million. The complex will include features such as a Man City Academy, a City cafe, fine dining options and its own beach and canal side.
Event at the Etihad Arena
Buyers are also entitled to a 10-year visa to stay in the UAE, with the prices passing the property investment threshold. Ohana Residency held an event at the Etihad Arena in the UAE, where both Alfie Haaland and Pep Guardiola were special guests.
Haaland broke the news of his investment by appearing in a video screened at the event. "Hi everyone, I'm so happy because I'm joining the Manchester City Ohana project," he said. "We will be neighbours in Abu Dhabi...I just got a house and so did my father."
Alfie subsequently took to the stage. He was later joined by former City manager Guardiola, who participated in a question-and-answer session. The event also saw one attendee win a property as part of a raffle.
Club under charges shadow
The event takes place with City still operating under the shadow of the Premier League charges. An independent panel found City guilty of 114 of the charges, a verdict the club are contesting through an appeal.
In a statement, the Premier League confirmed that the three-person panel found City had inflated their revenue by almost £900 million between 2009 and 2018 through 'sham' sponsorship deals. City hit back and said that they have 'irrefutable evidence' to prove their innocence.
Should the guilty verdict stand, City are expected to face substantial punishment, which will be determined by the original three-person panel. Potential sanctions include points deductions and transfer embargoes through to expulsion from the Premier League.
Consequently, should their appeal prove unsuccessful, it could dramatically affect the club's future and its players. There are also suggestions that City may face potential legal action from several of their Premier League competitors.
Enzo Maresca's side return to Premier League duty on Sunday when they visit Liverpool at Anfield. The team are seeking to preserve their perfect winning start to the campaign.
