Erling Haaland's release clause is a drop in the ocean compared to the world's most expensive release clause

Erling Haaland's new contract with Manchester City reportedly contains a staggering release clause, but that figure pales in comparison to the stars of Barcelona FC and Real Madrid. On Friday, news broke that the Norwegian striker had signed a nine-and-a-half year contract with the Etihad, which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2034.

His previous salary of £375,000 a week would have been increased by £125,000, but the figures do not include bonuses and image rights.

However, the 24-year-old has a release clause in his new contract, which can be triggered from 2029.

But not only would a club have to wait five years to activate this clause, they would also have to offer a whopping £250 million. This surpasses the current world record of £200 million when Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017.

But it's also an amount that seems insignificant when Jude Bellingham enters the equation. The England international moved to Madrid in 2023 from Borussia Dortmund, signing a six-year deal worth £342,000-a-week.

His release clause, however, is almost inconceivable. A club currently needs to bid around £871million to be able to hold negotiations, and Bellingham is not the only La Liga player in this situation.

Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Jnr, Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga are all said to have the same niche inserted into their contracts. And at the Camp Nou, six of Hansi Flick's players are said to have clauses matching that figure.

Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Jules Koundé, and Ansu Fati is also currently commanding an £871m bid to leave Barca powerless to reject a bid. This negotiation tactic has become increasingly common in European football, allowing clubs to protect themselves against losing players to cut-price deals.

Haaland's new deal has raised eyebrows, given City are currently facing 115 charges over Financial Fair Play irregularities. As well as huge financial penalties, the club could face relegation if found guilty.

“I'm really happy to have signed my new contract and can look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Haaland said. “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with incredible supporters and it’s the type of environment that brings out the best in everyone.”

Haaland has 111 goals in 126 games for the Premier League champions in 2022. He won the Golden Boot in each of his first two seasons, although he is currently behind Mohamed Salah in the rankings this time around.