Haaland could rethink Man City future if Guardiola leaves

February 18, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Speculation surrounding Erling Haaland’s future at Manchester City has resurfaced after fresh claims linked his stay at the Etihad Stadium directly to Pep Guardiola’s position as manager.

According to Topskills Sports UK, the Norway international has indicated he would consider leaving City if Guardiola were to step down. The report further claims Haaland would not be open to playing under Enzo Maresca, though there has been no official indication that Maresca is in line to succeed Guardiola.

Haaland signed a long term contract extension with Manchester City last year, reportedly keeping him at the club until 2034. At the time, Guardiola’s presence was widely viewed as a key factor in his decision to commit his future to the Premier League champions.

Guardiola’s influence at City

Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has developed into one of Europe’s most prolific forwards under Guardiola’s guidance. The striker has broken multiple scoring records in England, playing a central role in City’s domestic and European success.

Guardiola’s tactical system has been credited with elevating Haaland’s output, and the pair have frequently spoken positively about their working relationship in public interviews. While neither has addressed the latest speculation, Guardiola’s contract situation has occasionally prompted debate about City’s long term direction.

Real Madrid monitoring developments

According to the same report from Topskills Sports UK, Real Madrid are prepared to accelerate their interest should there be any indication that Guardiola plans to leave. The Spanish club has long been linked with Haaland and is known to be attentive to elite talent across Europe.

At this stage, there has been no confirmation from Manchester City, Real Madrid, Guardiola, or Haaland regarding the claims. Any potential move would likely depend on several factors, including contractual negotiations and the managerial situation at the Etihad Stadium.

City’s long term stability in focus

For now, Haaland remains under contract and central to Manchester City’s project. Until there is clarity over Guardiola’s future, the situation appears rooted more in speculation than concrete movement.

Still, the report has added another layer of intrigue to an already closely watched managerial landscape, particularly given Guardiola’s influence on City’s recent dominance.

Sources: Topskills Sports UK