By Noel Whelan

28th Jan, 2023 | 3:20pm

Erling Haaland tipped for £176m exit as Man City release clause details emerge - expert

Noel Whelan has warned Erling Haaland is not likely to “stick around” at Man City if they can’t compete for a first Champions League trophy in the next 18 months.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich are probable destinations for the 22-year-old.

According to The Athletic last year (11 October), Haaland has a £175.5million release clause for foreign clubs in his Man City contract which becomes active in 18 months.

The report claims that the fee needed to sign the striking sensation will then decrease as his five-year contract progresses.

Haaland has already struck 31 goals in 27 games for Man City – his first season in English football.

Despite City’s domestic dominance, they are yet to lift the Champions League – and had to settle for a runners-up medal in 2021 after they were beaten by Chelsea in the final.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona have all won Europe’s premier club competition in the last decade.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Bayern, Real Madrid, PSG, Barcelona – these are the only teams who could afford that clause.

“Everyone else is probably out of the running because of the financials.

“These clubs have the power, and we know that they’re the top contenders for the Champions League year-on-year.

“City haven’t quite cracked being a part of that group just yet. They’re not quite in that top bracket.

“If they meet the fee, then it’s out of Man City’s hands. I can see Haaland wanting to test himself in all of the top leagues.

“I can’t see him sticking around if they keep struggling in the Champions League.

“But it’s only those clubs I can see raising those funds.”

In other news, pundit tells Man City to seal £100m+ deal for World Cup star – “he’s the answer”.