Erling Haaland signs a new nine-and-the-half-year contract with Man City.
Manchester City’s talisman, Erling Haaland has signed a record-breaking 9½-year contract with the club, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2034. Previously contracted until 2027, the new deal reportedly ranks among the most lucrative in sports history, though financial details remain undisclosed. The extension also eliminates buyout clauses included in his initial 2022 agreement when he joined from Borussia Dortmund. At 24, Haaland’s deal is the longest in Premier League history, surpassing Cole Palmer’s nine-year contract with Chelsea in 2024. Despite past interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Norwegian is now set to stay with City until after his 33rd birthday. Expressing gratitude, Haaland said, “City is a special club with amazing people and supporters. I’m proud to continue my journey here.” Since joining, he has scored 111 goals in 126 appearances, helping the team secure two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
🚨🔵 Erling Haaland has signed new deal at Manchester City valid until June 2034!
The agreement is valid for 9.5 years, as revealed by @David_Ornstein — with record salary for City 🇳🇴🤝🏻
ℹ️ There will be release clause valid from 2029 but only available at very high numbers. pic.twitter.com/yHOZrKymfm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025
Domenico Tedesco sacked from role as Belgium national team head coach.
Belgium has parted ways with head coach Domenico Tedesco following a string of disappointing results, the Belgian Football Association announced Friday. The decision, anticipated for weeks, came after Tedesco failed to attend the 2026 World Cup qualifiers draw in December. Tedesco, under contract until 2026, initially enjoyed success, going unbeaten in his first 13 matches after succeeding Roberto Martinez post-2022 World Cup. However, his tenure unraveled with Belgium’s underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, where they exited in the last 16, followed by a poor Nations League run in late 2024, finishing third in their group with just one win. His position became untenable after a shocking loss to Israel in November. Tedesco’s strained relationship with Thibaut Courtois, who refused to play under him, further fueled tensions. Belgian media suggest Thierry Henry, a former assistant, as a potential successor.
🚨❌ Domenico Tedesco has been sacked and he’s no longer the Belgium national team head coach.
It’s over. 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/81AgXraQre
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025
AC Milan in advanced talks to sign English fullback, Kyle Walker.
Serie A giant, AC Milan have prioritized signing Manchester City veteran Kyle Walker over Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, reports L’Equipe. Initial talks for Rashford stalled due to Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regulations limiting the signing of British players, prompting Milan to focus on addressing their defensive issues. The right-back position has long been a concern for Milan. Captain, Davide Calabria has struggled, while Emerson Royal, signed from Tottenham last summer, has failed to impress, leaving the team vulnerable defensively and ineffective offensively. Walker has emerged as Milan’s primary target, with personal terms reportedly agreed to and negotiations progressing quickly. While questions remain about the 33-year-old’s ability to adapt to Serie A’s physical demands, Milan see him as a short-term solution to stabilize their right flank. The experienced Englishman could provide the defensive solidity Milan urgently needs despite his declining pace.
🚨🔴⚫️ AC Milan are advancing to the final stages of Kyle Walker deal.
More contacts planned to complete agreement on personal terms with Walker and his camp until June 2027.
As reported days ago, Walker’s keen on AC Milan move and the Negotiation is underway. pic.twitter.com/1zLbF9vlY2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025
Claudio Ranieri set to retire from management at the end of the season.
Former Leicester City’s manager and the oldest head coach in Europe’s top five leagues presently, Claudio Ranieri has announced he will retire this summer at the age of 73. Currently managing AS Roma, Ranieri confirmed that the club will seek a new coach to guide them to greater heights. “At the end of the season, I will stop coaching. It is time to say “basta,” Ranieri told an Italian broadcaster. This announcement appears definitive, despite Ranieri previously declaring his Retirement last year after a successful stint with Cagliari Calcio. However, he returned to the sidelines in November to accept Roma’s offer. Under his guidance, Roma, now bolstered by Mats Hummels, sits tenth in Serie A. Ranieri’s illustrious career began in 1988 with Cagliari, achieving multiple promotions. He later won cups with Fiorentina and Valencia and famously led Leicester City to an extraordinary Premier League title in 2016.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Claudio Ranieri has confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the season. 👋🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/VOSdowiDGC
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 17, 2025
Ronald Araújo close to renewing his contract with Barcelona.
Barcelona are optimistic about securing a crucial contract renewal for Ronald Araújo in the coming weeks. The Uruguayan defender, who seemed set to leave the club this month, is now expected to stay following a dramatic turnaround earlier this week. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Araújo is close to agreeing to a new deal, which Barcelona officials hope to finalize next week. The proposed contract includes a substantial wage increase and a reduced release clause, making a transfer more attainable for potential suitors. Araújo’s current contract expires at the end of next season, but Barcelona is determined to secure his long-term future as soon as possible. While the club remains confident about the renewal, Juventus may still attempt to intervene in the coming days. Barcelona, however, is hopeful of keeping their defensive stalwart at Camp Nou.
🚨🔵🔴 Plan fully confirmed: Ronald Araujo, on the verge of signing new deal at Barcelona.
Agreement in principle reached earlier this week and one final meeting will take place to complete the final details then proceed to sign.
Barça are preparing for formal steps. pic.twitter.com/UEI2Mpc2bO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025