Erling Haaland reveals why Manchester City could “replace” him in future

Manchester City officials would have a major decision to make over Erling Haaland in future should his goals begin to dry up, the Norwegian has himself admitted.

The 25-year-old has been more open than ever about pressure, expectation, and the standards demanded at the Etihad Stadium, with his comments highlighting not only his self-awareness but also the ruthless competitive environment that has driven City’s success of late.

The Norwegian’s form has already silenced many, particularly those who questioned his involvement in build-up play or suggested his goals came “too easily”. Earlier this month, Haaland addressed similar criticism by emphasising that close-range finishing is a product of elite movement and positioning.

Erling Haaland has also spoken recently about broader themes related to his future, including why he committed his long-term contract to Manchester City earlier in 2025 and how conversations with club executives reassured him of his central role in the club’s next decade.

These comments now sit neatly alongside his latest remarks on responsibility and pressure, painting a richer picture of a striker who fully understands both the privilege and the burden of leading the line for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Speaking with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast, Haaland has opened up on the ‘criticism’ he receives for scoring the so-called ‘easy goals’ in the game, or close-range ‘tap-ins’.

“I love scoring goals,” Haaland insisted. “The biggest compliment I feel I’m getting is when people say, ‘Ah another tap-in, another easy goal!'”

He continued, “The easiest goals are best, because what’s most difficult? Scoring goals. And when you can do it in an easy way, this is even better – if you can be in the perfect place all the time, scoring easy goals, that’s a good thing.”

Looking back on the lack of discussion around Haaland prior to his sensational ongoing campaign, the 25-year-old said, “Before the season, not much [people] were speaking about me. And I loved it, it was so nice!

“I was like, ‘OK lets go, lets have it!’ No one was speaking about me, only about new signings. Then the season started, and look how it’s going.”

But what happens if Erling Haaland’s goals begin to dry up for the club?

“I’m the striker of Manchester City , I have to score goals,” Haaland insisted. “If not, they have to replace me because I’m not delivering the goals and the things they need, they have to replace me. So there is a lot of pressure on me to deliver and to do the job.”

With Manchester City already assessing long-term squad evolution – including identifying potential Rodri successors, shaping a new centre-back rotation, and determining futures for figures such as Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic – the striker’s words reflect the high standards that define the club’s planning.

While no replacement is currently on the horizon, Erling Haaland’s awareness of the club’s expectations may only fuel his output further. From City’s perspective, Haaland remains central to their project for the next decade following his 2025 contract extension.

His blend of mindset, physicality, and consistency makes him an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s system, even amid the manager’s uncertain post-2027 future. As long as he continues to deliver at his current rate, conversations about replacements will remain hypothetical.

Looking ahead, City may focus on adding attackers who reduce the burden on Haaland while ensuring the squad remains sustainable beyond any individual. With tactical evolution always expected and Guardiola already emphasising the need for broader goalscoring responsibility, Haaland’s comments could indirectly shape the club’s future recruitment strategy.