Real Madrid have reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of Erling Haaland, who is keen on joining them this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet ABC, Real Madrid could be leading the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window. The Borussia Dortmund striker favours a switch to the Spanish giants over other suitors, although a deal would set Los Blancos back heavily.
Haaland has taken the footballing world by storm in the last 18 months or so, having enjoyed a stunningly impressive 2019/20 season, which saw him earn a move to Borussia Dortmund as well. Since arriving at the Signal Iduna Park, the 20-year-old has been performing at an astonishing level for his age.
Haaland has a brilliant return of 49 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances for Dortmund and despite BVB’s inconsistencies this term, he has been a shining light for them. However, as he continues to go from strength to strength, Haaland has been attracting the who’s who of European football and they do not get any bigger than Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are set to enter a transitional phase in the summer transfer window, with Zinedine Zidane having the task of overhauling an ageing squad. Attack has several fresh faces but is spearheaded by Karim Benzema, who is still going strong but is on the wrong side of 30.
In addition, the over-reliance on the Frenchman has often been the reason Real Madrid have suffered this season, meaning it will not hurt to add some competition for him by signing Haaland, especially with Eden Hazard’s fitness woes having no end while the likes of Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. have been extremely inconsistent.
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As for the central striker’s berth, beyond Benzema, Zidane does not have a reliable option at his disposal, with Mariano Diaz only a bit-part player while Luka Jovic faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid. To that end, Real Madrid have also been linked with Harry Kane, although Haaland will offer a longer-term solution.
The Merengues have now been handed a major boost in his pursuit, with the player intent on joining them in the summer. A move for Haaland, though, will set Real Madrid back by around €160 million, including agent fee and the transfer fee. Having said that, the player is open to being at Dortmund for another season and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid can seal the deal this year itself.