If one has the resources to sign a footballer who is as effective as Erling Haaland for a decade, then there will always be strong arguments to do so – whatever choppy waters Manchester City might face in their immediate future.

City announced the deal — covering 10 years from the start of this season — on Friday for the 24-year-old Haaland, who has scored 111 goals in 125 games since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

When he joined City few thought that the Norwegian would stay at the club for an extended period — so what has changed?