Erling Haaland’s father refuses to rule out Manchester City exit

Erling Haaland's father has refused to completely dismiss the possibility of the Manchester City striker leaving the club in the future, insisting that "nothing is impossible" when discussing his son's long-term plans.

The Norway international has been regularly linked with Europe's biggest clubs since arriving at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all credited with interest over the past few seasons.

While there is no indication a move is imminent, Alf-Inge Haaland's latest comments have inevitably fuelled further speculation.

Speaking to RMC Sport's Rothen s'enflamme, Alf-Inge Haaland was asked whether his son had ever been close to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Manchester City midfielder praised the French champions but explained that previous rumours were never based on concrete negotiations.

"I don't know. PSG are a fantastic club, and I wish them all the best. They're coming off two incredible seasons with those two Champions League titles. It's a very big club, but the rumours weren't founded at the time. The timing wasn't right; it wasn't the right moment."

However, when asked directly whether Erling Haaland could one day play in Ligue 1, he stopped short of ruling out the possibility.

"I don't know. Time will tell, but nothing is impossible."

Those comments are unlikely to end speculation surrounding one of world football's most sought-after forwards.

Alongside transfer talk, Alf-Inge Haaland also discussed the major changes taking place at Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's departure.

After years of unprecedented success under the Spaniard, City are preparing for a new chapter under Enzo Maresca, who is expected to become Guardiola's successor.

Despite acknowledging that Guardiola cannot truly be replaced, Haaland's father expressed confidence in the appointment.

"No one can replace Pep Guardiola, but it's a new chapter for Manchester City."

He added:

"It looks like Enzo Maresca will replace him. He's a good choice, even though he's had a difficult season. I think he'll get along well with Erling, and it's a new era. No one will be like Guardiola, but we have to do our best."

Haaland continues outstanding form

Any uncertainty surrounding his future has done little to affect Haaland's performances.

The striker enjoyed another prolific campaign for Manchester City, scoring 38 goals and providing nine assists last season to continue the remarkable numbers he has produced since arriving in England.

He has also carried that form into the World Cup with Norway, scoring four goals in his country's opening two matches to help secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Those displays are only likely to reinforce interest from Europe's elite should Haaland ever decide the time is right for a new challenge.

For now, however, Manchester City remain firmly in control, with the striker contracted to the club and preparing to begin a new era under Maresca.

Haaland's immediate focus remains Norway's World Cup campaign before returning to Manchester City for the start of the Maresca era. Although transfer speculation is unlikely to disappear, there is currently no indication that the striker is actively seeking a move away from the Etihad.

The coming season will offer the first glimpse of how Haaland adapts to life after Guardiola, with City hoping their new manager can continue to build around one of the world's most prolific goalscorers.

Do you think Erling Haaland will spend his prime years at Manchester City, or is a move to another European giant inevitable at some stage?