Leeds United could be in the market for a new striker next summer and the current happenings at Premier League juggernauts Manchester City are causing a minority of supporters in West Yorkshire to start thinking the unthinkable.

Man City are awaiting an appeal process with the club maintaining innocence despite being found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges from the Premier League. The club is set to present what it is calling 'irrefutable evidence' in an attempt to reverse the decision.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could all take legal action against the Cityzens, if the guilty verdict is confirmed. Leeds United do not have that option, but could they look to profit from the situation in an ambitious way?

Leeds United fans dream big over Man City transfer

On Tuesday morning, one Leeds United fan stuck their head above the parapet on social media to ponder... 'do we have a shot with Erling Haaland?'.

It was an unthinkable claim, but there is some ambitious method to the madness. The Man City talisman may be Norwegian, but he was born in Leeds thanks to his father being former Whites star Alfie Haaland.

The striker grew up with an affection for Leeds United, owning an Eirik Bakke jersey as a youngster. Haaland even once claimed to FourFourTwo that he would dream about winning the Champions League with the club.

He added:

“That would be a very nice dream… My father played for different Premier League teams, so of course you become a fan. You support them because you support your dad.”

Replying to the audacious message, one Whites fan labelled the thought as 'hilarious' and another said, 'in 2036 maybe'. Meanwhile, one Leeds United supporter wrote: "Not with DCL in this form but Haaland coming off the bench for the last twenty minutes or so, maybe."

Daniel Farke could soon be in the market for a new striker with Lukas Nmecha yet to be offered a new deal and Calvert-Lewin ageing, but a move for Haaland would surely be beyond the realm of posibility - even if Man City are burdened with financial punishments.

Does Erling Haaland have a relegation clause in Man City contract?

The Premier League are yet to confirm what punishments will be placed on Man City, but a record-breaking points deduction is expected for the infringements. That would very possibly see the club relegated to the EFL.

A fall from grace and need to find funds to pay any fines will inevitably lead to top players leaving the club - it's hard to imagine a world where Haaland is not playing Champions League football.

The striker renewed his contract with Man City in January 2025, extending his time at the Etihad Stadium until 2034. There are no release clauses in that agreement.

Marca also claims that there is no relegation clause included in Haaland's contract. While the club would likely be unable to afford his lofty wages, the player is not expected to have a contractual right to expect a departure from the club to be sanctioned.