Real Madrid could soon call off the pursuit of Erling Haaland, leaving the path clear for Manchester City to pursue the 21-year-old goal machine.
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Real Madrid could withdraw from the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window, deeming his wage requests and agent fee demands too high. Manchester City will thus have a clear run at the 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker.
Erling Haaland has established himself as one of the premier strikers in Europe since bursting onto the limelight a few years ago. During his ongoing two-year stint with Borussia Dortmund, the Norwegian international has often scored goals for fun and has enjoyed a prolific campaign even in an injury-riddled season.
The 21-year-old has amassed 25 goals and eight assists in 26 appearances thus far this term. And with a release clause in Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund contract reportedly set to come into effect in the summer transfer window, several high profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, have been lining up to prise him away from the Bundesliga giants.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the advancing years of Karim Benzema. While the veteran French striker is in the form of his life and has guided Real Madrid to a successful 2021/22 campaign, he is approaching the final phase of his glittering career and might need to start getting phased out in the coming seasons.
Haaland is thus a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Borussia Dortmund striker primed to offer the next decade of his career to Los Blancos. But the Merengues have faced stiff competition from Manchester City in the race to sign the 21-year-old goal machine from the Bundesliga giants.
Recent reports have produced contrasting claims about Manchester City reaching an agreement to sign Haaland. But the latest suggestions point toward Haaland giving the green light to join his father’s former club. With Manchester City yet to truly replace Sergio Aguero, Haaland is a viable target to fill the legendary Argentine striker’s void at the Etihad.
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The Premier League champions are now set to have a clear run at the 21-year-old, with Real Madrid considering ending the pursuit of the player. The Spanish giants have deemed his wage requests and agent fee demands too high, meaning they will set their sights on alternate options. It will be interesting to see if Manchester City can now complete a move for Haaland in the summer.
