In a revealing look behind the scenes of one of football's biggest contract deals, Erling Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has shared how Manchester City held all the cards during negotiations for the Norwegian superstar's new contract.

The 25-year-old striker has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, netting an incredible 160 goals in just 195 appearances across all competitions. With such prolific form, it's no surprise that clubs like Real Madrid have been linked with the forward. However, Haaland put any speculation to rest last season by signing a new deal that keeps him at the Etihad until 2034.

Pimenta, speaking to ESPN, offered a fascinating glimpse into the negotiations. "Very serious, they're [City] very organized. They're very big. They know what they're doing, they have a lot of experience, they don't really need anything, they have everything. So we don't have any leverage," she explained.

The agent also gave insight into Haaland's personality, describing him as remarkably down-to-earth despite his superstar status. "He's a lot like us [football agents]. In his way of being -- it's very informal, very comfortable, very relaxed, very low profile... Football, for him, is the most serious game you can play."

Pimenta emphasized the often-underestimated intelligence required to succeed at the highest level. "I think people often have the impression that the football player's job is easier than it actually is. I often say that high-performance football players have to be very intelligent, so don't underestimate the intelligence of those at the top of the pyramid. He has to be very dedicated."

While Haaland's future appears secure in Manchester, the summer transfer window is just weeks away, and with the World Cup potentially influencing the market, football fans can expect plenty of movement across Europe's top clubs.