Despite Pep Guardiola’s insistence that it doesn’t exist, details of Erling Haaland’s release clause at Manchester City have now been revealed by The Athletic’s Pol Ballus.

The Lowdown: Pep’s comments

Reports in Spain have suggested the Norway international has a Real Madrid-specific release clause included in his Sky Blues contract.

However, City boss Guardiola was quick to deny these claims. As quoted by Sky Sports, the Catalan recently asserted: “It is not true. He has not got a release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. It is not true, that is all I can say.”

The Latest: Ballus disagrees...

Contrary to Guardiola’s denial, The Athletic's Ballus has now claimed there is a release clause included in Haaland’s contract at the Etihad, though it is not aimed specifically at Madrid.

“Haaland has no preferential terms to join Real Madrid. But he will be have a price," he said on Twitter.

“€200m (£175.5m) RC in 2024. Does not apply to Premier League rivals & will decrease.

“For now, Haaland can’t be happier at City.”

The Verdict: Bad news for City fans

News of a summer 2024 release clause will come as a major blow for City fans, given Haaland’s brilliance at the Etihad since his arrival this summer.

In nine Premier League matches, the 22-year-old has bagged an astonishing 15 goals, putting him on pace for a quite ridiculous record-breaking haul.

Prior to his Sky Blues move, Madrid were heavily touted with interest in the Norwegian forward, and with his incredible form at the top level of football, a mega money move to become a 'Galáctico' feels inevitable down the line.