Erling Haaland has been placed firmly in the limelight after Manchester City were found guilty of 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. A heavy punishment is coming for the club, unless they are successful in an appeal, with the league releasing a damning statement to reveal ‘sham’ contracts created by the top-flight heavyweights.
City strongly deny any wrongdoing and maintain that they are innocent, with an appeal likely to be lodged before Friday’s deadline. But with the world wondering what next steps will take place concerning Enzo Maresca’s outfit, Express Sport has taken a look at the latest news from inside the Etihad.
Unusual Haaland statement
Last Friday, just moments after news broke that City had been found guilty by an independent commission, the club’s first official public words were to announce that Haaland had been named their Player of the Month for September.
At 5pm, just over two hours when the 115 charges verdict was leaked, City posted a statement on their website confirming Haaland’s prize.
City wrote: "Erling Haaland has been voted Etihad Player of the Month for September. Haaland won the award with 44% of the vote from second place Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson in third spot."
"Our No.9 scored in all four games he featured in during September. He bagged the only goal in our 1-0 win over Coventry City, heading home just shy of the half hour mark."
"The Norwegian then followed that up with a brace in our 2-0 victory away at FC Porto as we began our UEFA Champions League campaign in style."
"From there, he notched the winner in our 1-0 triumph against United at Old Trafford in the 199th Manchester derby."
"Haaland sat out the 5-0 Carabao Cup success over Norwich City but returned with the crucial final goal in a free-scoring 5-3 victory over Sunderland."
"He follows in the footsteps of Rayan Cherki who was voted the August winner in the inaugural vote of the 2026/27 campaign. Congratulations to Erling on this latest award."
Haaland transfer decision
Real Madrid have reportedly decided against pursuing Haaland in the transfer market, even if City face severe sporting sanctions.
Spanish outlet Sport claim that there are no plans to make a move for Haaland, due to the long-term contract he signed at the Etihad, which does not include a release clause, even in the case of relegation.
Haaland is not thought to suit the current system under Jose Mourinho, with the striker’s style possibly clashing with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
U-turn on media duties
Haaland was pulled from Norway’s press conference after news broke of City’s rule breaches.
The 26-year-old was due to face the media ahead of his nation’s match against Portugal on Sunday, but he was removed.
"We are making changes to tomorrow's press conference," Norway’s media manager wrote. "(Stale) Solbakken, (Fredrik) Aursnes and (Andreas) Schjelderup will be on the ground floor."
