The Manchester City superstar spent £100,000 on a unique edition of Royal Sagas from 1594 before donating it to his home municipality library in Norway

Erling Haaland has spent £100,000 at auction before immediately donating his purchase. The Manchester City forward parted with the substantial sum for a book before gifting it to his home municipality of Time, in Norway.

The striker acquired a unique edition of Snorre Sturlason’s Royal Sagas from 1594, making it the most expensive Norwegian book of all time after paying 1.3 million kroner. Haaland purchased the book in December despite acknowledging he’s not an avid 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.

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“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 volume chronicles the history of medieval Norse kings, featuring stories of Viking kings, queens, farmers and warriors. Following Haaland’s instructions, it will be positioned on permanent display at Time’s local library.

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

The book represents the only surviving copy of the two-volume 1594 manuscript and under the terms of the donation, must remain permanently displayed and 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.”

Haaland is currently away on international duty with Norway. The former Borussia Dortmund striker is gearing up to face Switzerland, following his side’s 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands last week.

The 25-year-old is also reported to have splashed out on a new luxury vehicle. The Premier League star purchased a rare Mercedes Maybach Virgil Abloh, named after the late fashion designer, Louis Vuitton artistic director and Off-White founder.

The S-Class model set him back more than £400,000 and features a striking glossy black and sand colour scheme. It is one of just 150 examples of the limited-edition motor.