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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 20: Erling Haaland seeking hat-trick repeat against Ipswich

    IT’S once again time for Dream Team managers to elect a captain for the Gameweek ahead.The gist of last week’s captaincy article was that gaffers who bet against Mohamed Salah (£8.1m) were likely to be rewarded and so it proved to be.Liverpool’s main man mustered just five points after being rested against Accrington Stanley and constricted by Nottingham Forest.Salah was guilty of a rare off-day against ForestCredit: GettyAll the alternatives we recommended – Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m), Alexander Isak (£6m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) – registered at least twice as many points as Salah in Gameweek 19.But that was then and this is now.Should gaffers go against the Egyptian superstar again or trust he’ll bounce back in Gameweek 20 versus Brentford and Lille?The Bees boast a formidable home record but they have conceded plenty of goals at the Gtech this season.Liverpool’s spot in the Champions League round of 16 is essentially guaranteed but it would be a surprise if Arne Slot eased up in Europe; he’ll want to finish the league phase on top.All things considered, Salah is a considerably stronger captain for Gameweek 20 than he was in Gameweek 19 and that will be enough for many Dream Team bosses.Haaland took home the game ball last time he met IpswichCredit: GettyThere are still gaffers who refuse to strip Erling Haaland (£8m) of the armband and these loyalists have every reason to feel confident of substantial returns in the coming days.Most read in FootballManchester City are still making too many errors but they have scored more than their fair share of goals lately – 16 in their last four games to be precise.Pep Guardiola’s travel to Portman Road this Sunday and their big No9, fresh off a new long-term contract, will be hopeful of getting on the scoresheet having bagged a hat-trick against Ipswich in the reverse fixture back in August.Wednesday’s trip to the French capital to face PSG can hardly be considered a favourable match-up but the Ligue 1 giants have fared even worse than City in the Champions League this season.Alternatively, Phil Foden’s (£6.2m) backers might be tempted to double his points this coming Gameweek.The England international has banked 60 points from his last six outings via four goals and two assists.A man in formCredit: AlamyBold managers might seek a captain among Tottenham’s ranks.Spurs are languishing 14th in the table after their defeat in the North London derby but the Dream Team Stats Centre paints a brighter picture with several of Ange Postecoglou’s favourites among the top performers.With a double header against Everton and Hoffenheim (16th in the Bundesliga) in the diary, Dominic Solanke (£4.6m), Son-Heung-min (£4.8m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m) are all viable options for skipper, if a tad leftfield.Amad Diallo’s (£4.1m) hat-trick against Southampton has put him in the mix too.Manchester United’s saviour will surely start against both Brighton and Rangers.Hat-trick heroCredit: GettyIt’s important to note that popular captains Cole Palmer (£6.1m) and Alexander Isak (£6m) have just one fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 20.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth are capable of massive double-digit hauls but it’s more logical to select a captain among the top stars set to pull double duty.Make sure to confirm your captain (and vice captain) for Gameweek 20 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Highest-paid Premier League players revealed as Erling Haaland signs Man City deal worth £26MILLION per year

    ERLING HAALAND’S mind-boggling new £500,000-per-week deal has made the Norwegian the highest-paid Premier League player EVER.Manchester City have announced that the goal-scoring machine has signed a 10-year-contract worth £26million per season.Erling Haaland has penned a ten-year contractCredit: RexHe has been tied down to the club until 2034The 24-year-old’s record breaking deal, which runs until 2034, has knocked City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne off his perch as the Prem’s top earner.It puts the total value close to £250million and overtakes Chelsea’s nine-year-deal for Cole Palmer to become the longest contract in Prem history.Haaland, who was previously contracted until 2027, has proved a phenomenon at City, scoring 111 goals in only 126 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund for £50million in summer 2022.And now SunSport has taken a look at the revised 10 biggest earners after twice Golden Boot winner Haaland’s mammoth new deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS10) Kai Havertz – £280k-per-weekArsenal forked out an initial £60million and an additional £5million in potential add-ons to sign Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.He usurped Gabriel Jesus as the highest-paid player at the Emirates and his contract also includes an additional £50,000-per-week in potential bonuses.The Germany international silenced his critics in his debut season, but has faced horrific abuse from Arsenal fans for his poor finishing as Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by Man Utd last Sunday.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKai Havertz is the highest-paid full-time Arsenal playerCredit: Getty=7) Jack Grealish – £300k-per-weekJack Grealish, 29, penned a £300,000-per-week contract when he joined City in 2021 in a deal from Aston Villa worth £100million.Most read in FootballHe is the third highest-paid man in Pep Guardiola’s squad, but 15 goal contributions in 145 games is under-par for what many expected.Jack Grealish is the joint-third highest-paid Manchester City playerTop ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot=7) Bruno Fernandes – £300k-per-weekBefore Amad Diallo’s recent heroics, club-captain Fernandes was one of the only Man Utd players worth their salt.The midfielder has been Old Trafford’s standout performer in recent years, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award in 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2023/24.The Portugal international is now earning a base salary of £300,000-per-week, which equates to around £15.6million-per-year. He can also get another £75,000-per-week in bonuses.Bruno Fernandes recently signed a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty=7) Bernardo Silva – £300k-per-weekYou’ll notice City account for a sizeable portion of this list. Silva was offered a £500,000-a-week contract by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023, but he rejected that lucrative offer and signed a contract extension with City.The Portuguese winger was previously linked with a move away, as his current City contract ends next summer.Bernardo Silva’s current City deal expires next summerCredit: Getty=5) Marcus Rashford – £325k-per-weekMarcus Rashford earns £25,000 more per week than club captain Fernandes, placing him second on Man Utd’s books.But the England international, 27, has been iced out of Ruben Amorim’s squad and is linked with several January moves.The wantaway star has fallen out with yet another United manager and told Henry Winter: “I’m ready for a new challenge.”Marcus Rashford is another player earning in excess of £300,000 per week=5) Raheem Sterling – £325k-per-weekRaheem Sterling’s eye-watering wages are currently split between Chelsea and his season-long loan club Arsenal.Reports suggest that both London clubs pay the former Man City winger, who has scored just one goal this term, around £162,500-per-week.If he’s forced back to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he’ll replace Reece James as Chelsea’s top earner.Raheem Sterling’s wages are split between Chelsea and loan club ArsenalCredit: Getty=3) Mohamed Salah – £350k-per-weekLiverpool legend Mo Salah is into the final year of the £350,000-per-week contract he signed in 2022.It remains to be seen whether the Egyptian, 32, who joined in 2017, will leave in the summer.Liverpool fans are desperate for Salah, who has 38 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season, to pen a new deal as Saudi Arabian clubs step up their pursuits.Mo Salah has the biggest wages of any player at AnfieldCredit: Getty=3) Casemiro – £350k-per-weekCasemiro, 32, impressed after joining United for £70m from Real Madrid, but soon endured a torrid 2023/24 campaign as he received huge criticism.But the five-time Champions League winner has been reduced to just 21 appearances this season – and mostly from the bench. Casemiro is the best-paid Manchester United playerCredit: Getty2) Kevin De Bruyne – £400k-per-weekDe Bruyne’s title as highest-paid Premier League player could was stripped away after Haaland’s new deal this week.The Man City man, 33, will go down as one of the all-time greats in English football if he leaves at the end of his contract in the summer after 10 incredible years at the Etihad.Kevin De Bruyne is now the second highest earner at City and in the PremCredit: Getty1) Erling Haaland – £500k-per-weekNo Prem player has ever earned more than HALF-A-MILLION QUID in weekly wages before Haaland.After signing his record-breaking deal, Haaland said: “I am super happy. I am proud. It is difficult to put into words because it is a big moment. I am happy and that is the right word to use.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep, it was an easy decision. I am delighted.”The Norwegian superstar, who has the most goals for his country at the age of 24, will earn £71,000-PER-DAY. More

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    Incredible throwback video of new MOTD host Mark Chapman presenting one of his first live football TV shows emerges

    AN amazing throwback clip has emerged of Mark Chapman presenting Football Italiano on Channel 5.Chapman, 51, was confirmed as one of three new Match of the Day hosts earlier this week.A clean-shaven Mark Chapman presented Football Italiano alongside Laura EspostoCredit: Channel 5Chapman, 51, is one of three new Match of the Day hostsCredit: PAThe experienced presenter will share the gig with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, starting next season.Chapman is widely known to many fans for his work presenting Match of the Day 2 since 2013.But he has performed a variety of different roles during his impressive career.He began as a continuity announcer on the BBC during the 1990s, before taking on a gig as Radio Newcastle’s cricket correspondent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChapman subsequently became a fans’ favourite on Radio 1, working as Newsbeat’s sports news reader on Sara Cox and Scott Mills’ shows.During the 2007-08 season, he took on a TV presenting gig, working on Channel 5’s Football Italiano.A descendent of the iconic Football Italia, which had previously aired on Channel 4, the show broadcast a live Serie A game on Sunday afternoons, as well as a highlights programme.Chapman presented the show alongside Italian Laura Esposto.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYIn a brilliant throwback clip, a suited-up Chapman can be seen introducing coverage of the final day of that season alongside his co-host.Chapman appeared fresh-faced and clean shaven on the show, with fans having since become accustomed to him with stubble on Match of the Day 2.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors Channel 5 did not retain the rights to Serie A for the following season, with Football Italiano finishing after just one year.In 2010, Chapman landed his popular Monday night show on BBC Radio 5 Live.And six years later he replaced Mark Pougatch as the station’s lead anchor on a Saturday afternoon.Versatile Chapman has also fronted the BBC’s TV coverage of rugby league and the NFL.CHEEKY ONE-LINEREarlier this week, the popular host stood in for Gary Lineker for a mid-week edition of Match of the Day.Just hours after he’d been confirmed as one of three new permanent hosts for next season, he quipped: “Evening. Thought I’d get the practise in.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter being introduced, pundit Alan Shearer joked: “You haven’t wasted any time, have you?”And a grinning Micah Richards added: “The ink’s not even dry Alan!”Chapman introduced MOTD with a cheeky one-linerCredit: BBC More

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    Erling Haaland’s potential transfer fee soars to £500MILLION after blockbuster contract that also protects Man City

    IT was a January present even the most fervent Manchester City fan had not really anticipated.And no wonder that the news of Erling Haaland’s astonishing new Etihad deal brought a swathe of swift conclusions about what it means for the Norwegian and the club.Erling Haaland has given Manchester City fans a much-needed boost by signing a bumper new dealCredit: APThe Norwegian has inked a staggering new TEN-YEAR deal at the EtihadCredit: AFPSome City fans may believe Haaland’s recommittal is a sign of the club’s confidence they’ll beat the FFP case against themCredit: APHaaland’s renewal has seen his transfer value soar to a whopping £500millionCredit: MANCHESTER CITYFor the past few weeks, it has been all about the players City were looking to sign in the January window, with a triple swoop for Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis in the pipeline.Yet getting Haaland to effectively commit the rest of his career to City was more than just a coup – it was a huge morale boost for everybody connected to the club.Rightly so. Haaland’s record of 112 goals in just 126 games for the club is beyond incredible.In the Prem, it is 79 in 87 appearances, at a rate of 0.91 goals per game.READ MORE ON HAALANDTo put that into even greater context, Alan Shearer scored his record 260 Prem goals in 441 games for Blackburn and Newcastle.If Haaland continued to score at his current rate, he would break the record after 237 games – before the end of 2029 if he stays fit.And that would not even be HALF-WAY through the new TEN-YEAR, £260m deal.No wonder many City fans are already pointing to Haaland’s signature, following on from Pep Guardiola’s renewal, and drawing an obvious conclusion:Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey wouldn’t be doing this unless City were absolutely certain the Premier League case into the “115” allegations of financial impropriety (the actual number of charges is now 130) was about to collapse into tiny pieces.It is not a ridiculous assumption to make, either. At least, not from the outside.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starCity have, remember, always vehemently denied they did anything wrong. And unleashed the legal forces of Hell – well, £10,000 an hour Lord Pannick KC and his team – to defend their reputation.But nobody, except the lawyers involved and the panel of three empowered to hear the evidence given on both sides over the best part of three months before Christmas, REALLY knows what was said in the central London International Dispute Resolution Centre.What we do know is that if the Prem legal beaks fail to prove their case “on the balance of probabilities”, City will have won a huge and seismic victory.The authority of the League will have been fractured into tiny pieces.Yet at this stage, the commission appears to still be considering its verdict.And before Christmas, there were mutterings that City might be ready to argue that, in the event of a verdict they did not accept, the club would contest the ENTIRE fabric of the Prem financial rules.But even if the verdict goes AGAINST City, the new deal is a major defensive move for their most potent attacking force.It is hard, if not inconceivable, to imagine Haaland staying at City if they are actually relegated to the Championship – which would be a MINIMUM demand of rival clubs if the bulk of the charges are proven. Let alone if it was a Rangers-style three division relegation.Pep Guardiola penned a new deal with Manchester City last NovemberCredit: MANCHESTER CITYBut the Spaniard and his troops are very much in danger of being relegated if the bulk of the 115 charges against the are provenCredit: AFPOf course, if it was just one season in the Championship – and there is nothing to suggest that is in consideration until the verdict is known – the easiest way out would be to loan Haaland to another club in the City Football Group for a campaign. Girona, possibly, or an MLS year in the Big Apple.But if Haaland did kick off, City have guaranteed themselves a huge financial buffer.Tying Haaland to such a long deal – one that would not be permissible under Fifa regulations in some countries, where employment law states contracts cannot last longer than five years – is a statement, unquestionably.If another club wants to tempt him away – and Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two most obvious potential suitors, probably followed by PSG or the PIF-owned clubs of the Saudi Pro League – they will have to buy out the contract AND pay a massive fee.That would see a potential £500m transfer demand, a sum few could possibly meet.At the same time, it is also ringfencing City against the possible outcome of the European Court of Justice ruling over former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra.The international players’ union FifPro is among those arguing the end-game will be stars having “free agency” to move clubs, with no transfer fees and only the remaining contract terms needing to be bought out as a compensation move.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf course, none of that will even be an issue if City’s long-held stance is vindicated.And the thought of almost another decade of Haaland marauding up and down the Prem will chill the blood of an entire generation of defenders. 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    Erling Haaland’s staggering new Man City contract laid bare with striker to earn nearly £3,000 PER HOUR

    ERLING HAALAND’S new Manchester City contract is worth a staggering £260million.The striker has put pen to paper on a TEN YEAR contract at the Etihad.Erling Haaland has committed his future to Man City until 2034Credit: Man CityHaaland has seen his previous £375,000 a week salary upped to £500k.And City chiefs have agreed to backdate the deal to the start of this season, meaning he will collect an extra £3.25m that he is now owed since then.The 23-year-old’s contract is worth £26m per season.This works out at an incredible £2,166,666 a month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland will earn around £71k per day as part of the new deal, and nearly £3k an hour.Per second he will earn 82p for the duration of the deal.The prolific forward had been sporadically linked with Real Madrid.But having become a father, Haaland  bought a six-bed mansion with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, 21 after the couple decided to “put down some roots”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep Guardiola’s decision to renew his deal by a further two seasons is said to have also helped Haaland make up his mind to extend his stay.Upon putting pen to paper, he said: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City star“Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.“I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my team-mates and everyone at the Club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years. They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what.“Now I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward.”Haaland has now leapfrogged £400k a week team-mate Kevin De Bruyne as the highest-paid player in the Premier League.He has twice won the Premier League Golden Boot, and has scored a staggering 111 goals in 126 City appearances since joining from Borussia Dortmund. More

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    TNT Sports commentator left in awe as Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana produces double save ‘like Peter Schmeichel’

    ANDRE ONANA drew comparisons to Peter Schmeichel after producing a remarkable double save against Southampton.The Manchester United keeper kept the score goalless with two stunning stops in the 28th minute.First Onana dived down to his right to keep out a low shot from Tyler Dibling, showing a strong hand to stop the ball going in.He had to be alert as the ball bounced up and into the path of Matheus Fernandes on the six-yard box.The Saints star fired towards goal but Onana made himself big and pulled off another incredible save, leading to big praise from TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher.He said: “Oh what a save! That was like Peter Schmeichel spreading himself in the old days here.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDOnana, 28, has improved this season after a shaky debut season at Old Trafford.But boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly been concerned with the United No1, particularly after he conceded a direct corner against Wolves.United were said to be looking at Royal Antwerp star Senne Lammens as a replacement, who could cost up to £20million.Scouts have watched the Belgian in action as the club try to find a keeper who can provide Onana with serious competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited also have Altay Bayindir and he proved the hero against Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.The No2 pulled off a string of saves to keep United in the match before stopping Kai Havertz’s penalty in the shoot-out to help his side progress to the fourth round.Fuming Roy Keane tells ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire after he ‘had a go’ at Man Utd icon More

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    Neymar lifts lid on PSG ‘fights’ with Kylian Mbappe ‘jealous’ of Lionel Messi and why it was ‘impossible’ to succeed

    NEYMAR has opened up about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe, which he reckons went downhill after Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain.The trio were made up the French champion’s electrifying strike force from the summer of 2021 to 2023.PSG had a star-studded front three of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar from 2021 to 2023Credit: GettyBut it was claimed Neymar and Mbappe developed a feud during that periodCredit: APBut all their talent couldn’t deliver the club’s ultimatum goal – the Champions League trophy.And Neymar believes Messi’s arrival to the Parc des Princes as a free agent in the summer of 2021 proved detrimental to his partnership with Mbappe – with whom he allegedly developed a feud.During an appearance on a podcast hosted by Brazil icon Romario, he said: “No, he (Mbappe) is not annoying].”I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I used to call him golden boy. I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best.”I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.”We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous.”He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behaviour.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNeymar believes his relationship with Kylian Mbappe went south after Lionel Messi’s arrivalCredit: AFPNeymar was no stranger to playing in a star-studded team prior to Messi’s arrival at PSG having played in a front three with the Argentine and Luis Suarez during his time at Barcelona.Both experiences, however, have left him adamant that having too many “big egos” in a team is a recipe for disaster.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenesThe 32-year-old added: “It is good to have egos. But you have to know that you don’t play alone.”There needs to be another guy by your side.”[Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. “If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”Neymar departed PSG in August 2023, moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal.Injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament – have restricted him to a mere 11 appearances for the club.Mbappe, meanwhile, now plies his trade with Real Madrid – while Messi is in the MLS with Inter Miami. More

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    Erling Haaland signs TEN-YEAR Man City contract worth £260million with release clause removed

    ERLING HAALAND has signed an eye-watering TEN-YEAR contract with Manchester City, according to reports.The striker was contracted to the club until 2027 but his new deal will see him tied down until he is 34 years old.Erling Haaland has penned a ten-year contractCredit: GettyThat will keep him at the club until he is 34-years-oldHaaland announced the news with a video showing off his trademark celebrationHe has been tied down to the club until 2034The lengthy contract is one of the most lucrative in sport history and will run until 2034.Any release clause from his previous deal have been removed, so it would take an astronomical bid to lure him away from the Etihad.Haaland, 24, is set for a bumper increase on his £375,000-a-week salary.Man City have announced his new contract will run for ten years, and it is understood his earnings will be backdated to the beginning of the season which means Haaland will collect £3.25m in wages he is owed since then.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport revealed his new contract would be worth £500,000-a-week, which means his total earnings across the deal will be £260million, or £26m a year.City have been keen to tie down their star man amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.Haaland is believed to be very happy at City and was persuaded to extend his deal after Pep Guardiola renewed terms for further two years in November.He is settled in Manchester and has just become a dad for the first time, and earlier this month bought a six-bed mansion with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, 21, after the couple decided to “put down some roots”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaaland will pick up £500k-a-week after helping Man City win five trophies in two yearsCredit: GettyHaaland is settled in Manchester and recently became a dad for the first timeCredit: EPAHaaland also enjoys an excellent relationship with manager Pep Guardiola and chairman Khadoon Al Mubarak, as well as his team-mates.The 24-year-old said after putting pen to paper: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great Club.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question“Manchester City is a special Club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.“I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the Club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years. They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what.“Now I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward.”The Norwegian will become the highest paid player in the Premier League, overtaking team-mate Kevin De Bruyne who earns £400k-per-week.He has won the Golden Boot twice in two seasons since moving to the Prem and scored an incredible 111 goals in 126 games for the Cityzens.Haaland has won five trophies in two-and-a-half years at City and has 16 Prem goals this campaign.Pep Guardiola said of the new deal: “It’s the trust for the club to Erling. Because you never know what can happen in the next year. “But the club knows perfectly how professional he is. His commitment in every single game and every single day to show his talent.”And of course for him, because in 10 years, you never know what’s going to happen. It’s a long, long time. And always in the short careers, you have to say, OK, stay we’ll see what happens. “And he proved what he wanted. And the trust, as I said before, was the trust with the club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked why Haaland wants to stay for so long, Guardiola said: “he settled perfectly. I think what happens is that he loves the club, the people he’s around. He loves the Premier League. “He loves to be here with him and his wife. Now he’s a father, so… I think he visualises there is no better place that I could be right now in the next 10 years, I would say. And that’s why he and his family decided to do this step.”By Martin LiptonIT was a January present even the most fervent Manchester City fan had not really anticipated.And no wonder that the news of Erling Haaland’s astonishing new Etihad deal brought a swathe of swift conclusions about what it means for the Norwegian and the club.For the past few weeks, it has been all about the players City were looking to sign in the January window, with a triple swoop for Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis in the pipeline.Yet getting Haaland to effectively commit the rest of his career to City was more than just a coup – it was a huge morale boost for everybody connected to the club.Rightly so. Haaland’s record of 112 goals in just 126 games for the club is beyond incredible.In the Prem, it is 79 in 87 appearances, at a rate of 0.91 goals per game.To put that into even greater context, Alan Shearer scored his record 260 Prem goals in 441 games for Blackburn and Newcastle.If Haaland continued to score at his current rate, he would break the record after 237 games – before the end of 2029 if he stays fit.And that would not even be HALF-WAY through the ten year, £260m deal.No wonder many City fans are already pointing to Haaland’s signature, following on from Pep Guardiola’s renewal, and drawing an obvious conclusion.They wouldn’t be doing this unless City were absolutely certain the Premier League case into the “115” allegations of financial impropriety (the actual number of charges is now 130) was about to collapse into tiny pieces.It is not a ridiculous assumption to make, either. At least, not from the outside.City have, remember, always vehemently denied they did anything wrong.And unleashed the legal forces of Hell – well, £10,000 an hour Lord Pannick KC and his team – to defend their reputation.But nobody, except the lawyers involved and the panel of three empowered to hear the evidence given on both sides over the best part of three months before Christmas, REALLY knows what was said in the central London International Dispute Resolution Centre.What we do know is that if the Prem legal beaks fail to prove their case “on the balance of probabilities”, City will have won a huge and seismic victory.The authority of the League will have been fractured into tiny pieces.Yet at this stage, the commission appears to still be considering its verdict.And before Christmas, there were mutterings that City might be ready to argue that, in the event of a verdict they did not accept, the club would contest the ENTIRE fabric of the Prem financial rules.But even if the verdict goes AGAINST City, the new deal is a major defensive move for their most potent attacking force.It is hard, if not inconceivable, to imagine Haaland staying at City if they are actually relegated to the Championship – which would be a MINIMUM demand of rival clubs if the bulk of the charges are proven. Let alone if it was a Rangers-style three division relegation.Of course, if it was just one season in the Championship – and there is nothing to suggest that is in consideration until the verdict is known – the easiest way out would be to loan Haaland to another club in the City Football Group for a campaign. Girona, possibly, or an MLS year in the Big Apple.But if Haaland did kick off, City have guaranteed themselves a huge financial buffer.Tying Haaland to such a long deal – one that would not be permissible under Fifa regulations in some countries, where employment law states contracts cannot last longer than five years – is a statement, unquestionably.If another club wants to tempt him away – and Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two most obvious potential suitors, probably followed by PSG or the PIF-owned clubs of the Saudi Pro League – they will have to buy out the contract AND pay a massive fee.That would see a potential £500m transfer demand, a sum few could possibly meet.At the same time, it is also ringfencing City against the possible outcome of the European Court of Justice ruling over former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra.The international players’ union FifPro is among those arguing the end-game will be stars having “free agency” to move clubs, with no transfer fees and only the remaining contract terms needing to be bought out as a compensation move.Of course, none of that will even be an issue if City’s long-held stance is vindicated.And the thought of almost another decade of Haaland marauding up and down the Prem will chill the blood of an entire generation of defenders. More