Erling Haaland drops £100K at auction - and then immediately gives purchase away

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Erling Haaland has splashed out £100,000 at auction before immediately giving his purchase away. The Manchester City superstar spent the vast sum on a book before donating his home municipality of Time, in Norway .

The striker picked up a unique edition of Snorre Sturlason's Royal Sagas from 1594, and made it the most expensive Norwegian book of all time after spending 1.3 million kroner. Haaland bought the book in December despite admitting to not being a big reader.

"I have never been a big reader, but I want the book to always be open, so that you can read about those who came from my area, from Bryne and Jæren," Haaland said in a press release.

"I've been lucky enough to live out my dream through football, and I know not everyone gets that chance. Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path."

The book details the history of medieval Norse kings, with tales of Viking kings, queens, farmers and warriors. Per Haaland's wishes, it will be placed on permanent display at Time's local library.

The book was put up for auction by Johan Fredrik Odfjell, a Norwegian businessman and bibliophile, with Time Municipality only recently announcing that Haaland and his father Alfie made the purchase.

The book is the only surviving copy of the two-volume 1594 manuscript and under the conditions of the donation, must be permanently displayed and made accessible to the public at the Bryne library.

“We are extremely grateful for this incredibly generous gift, said Andreas Vollsund, the mayor of Time Municipality. “Erling and Alfie are giving us the opportunity to do one of the most important things we can do for our young people: give them the joy of reading.”

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Haaland is currently on international duty with Norway. The former Borussia Dortmund striker is preparing to face Switzerland, after his side lost 2-1 to the Netherlands last week.

The 25-year-old is also said to have spent big on a new luxury car. Reports claim that the Premier League icon bought a rare Mercedes Maybach Virgil Abloh, named after the late fashion designer, Louis Vuitton artistic director and Off-White founder.

The S-Class vehicle cost more than £400,000 and is made up of a glossy black and sand colour scheme. It is one of 150 models of the limited-edition car.