Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Erling Haaland will have a “very big” release clause in the future but the striker “is in love with the Man City project”.

Pep Guardiola’s side benefitted from a Haaland release clause in the summer as they signed him from Borussia Dortmund for around £51 million.

A few doubted Haaland ahead of this season that the striker would have an impact at Etihad. And those naysayers have been made to look very foolish already. The 21-year-old has been nothing short of sensational at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. He has scored hat-tricks in three consecutive home games for Man City in the league.

His latest stellar performance came against Man Utd at the Etihad in the Manchester derby. He also provided two assists as the Premier League champions won 6-3.

Romano has spoken about Haaland’s move to Man City. He has revealed that the striker turned down “big contracts” in the past:

“There were a lot of rumours about Erling Haaland’s choice this summer – there were a lot of rumours about a lot of clubs,” Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

“For instance, Bayern Munich denied a lot of the links, but behind the scenes they were pushing to sign Haaland as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Real Madrid and Barcelona were there as well, but nothing happened as he decided to join Manchester City back in April.

“I want to make one important point – Haaland had the opportunity earlier in his career to pick big contracts over projects. When he was at Molde, he decided to join Salzburg over Juventus. When he was at Salzburg he had a big offer to join Manchester United, but he said no, I want to go to Borussia Dortmund.

“He is not afraid to turn down big contracts for the right project. Again with City, the decision was not about the salary, but about Pep Guardiola’s project. I like the way this guy thinks, and his numbers show that he’s a really special player.”

Romano has also confirmed that Haaland’s current contract at Man City has a release clause but it is “for the future”:

“City paid €60 million for Haaland – this is the official fee, and it’s an incredible price. Of course, the final cost, with the player’s wages and commissions, will be more than that, but it’s still a great piece of business.

“My understanding is that there is also a release clause for Haaland at City, but it’s for the future, it’s not something that is relevant for the next months. There will be a release clause, probably a very big one, in the future.

“I’m aware that Haaland’s father has hinted at a future move to play in leagues like Spain and Italy, but I think he was smiling when he said it! For sure I know Erling is an ambitious guy and is attracted to many different leagues, but really there’s nothing to discuss now.

“He’s in love with the Manchester City project – the manager, the fans, his teammates … it’s just the beginning, I’m sure he will fight for the Ballon d’Or in the next years and the same for the Champions League.

“For now, congratulations to Man City and to Erling Haaland – it was the best move for him and for the club. What a signing.”

• A Footbll365 report