Erling Haaland given new Man City role after Pep Guardiola’s exit

Erling Haaland has joined Man City's leadership group as they look to keep him happy amid interest from Barcelona, sources have told Football Insider.

Haaland has continued to prove that his ability knows no bounds as he looks to fire City to more silverware this season.

The burly Norwegian raised his profile even further in the summer with a strong World Cup campaign.

Several top clubs retain an interest in his services after numerous high-profile departures from City raised doubts around them keeping hold of him long-term.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Haaland has become one of the main voices in the City dressing room and so has no plans to leave the club anytime soon.

Enzo Maresca recently named him in City's four-man leadership group alongside Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Erling Haaland more likely to stay after Enzo Maresca leadership move

Haaland's current contract includes a release clause that will only be activated at the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

Sources have told Football Insider that Barcelona are plotting a huge offer for his services next year, but they are not likely to get a deal done as he becomes a bigger influence off the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Ever since the departure of Pep Guardiola and the departures of a number of key players at City, he's become one of the leaders at the club as well.

"He's one of the more experienced players in that dressing room so I think he's among the leadership group at Manchester City. That just shows how important he is to the club and I don't think they'll be planning to let him leave anytime soon.

Which records could Haaland break this season?

Haaland became just the second Premier League player ever to score against every club that he has faced in the division after Harry Kane with a goal against Sunderland on Sunday.

He can become Man City's highest goalscorer in continental competitions with five strikes in the Champions League this season to take his overall tally to 44.

Five hat-tricks in this campaign will also take him above Sergio Aguero with the most of all time for the club, with 17.