Real Madrid reportedly view Manchester City’s Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland as a potential alternative option to Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe next summer.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid have earmarked Erling Haaland as an option should they fail to secure the services of Kylian Mbappe in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Los Blancos are coming off a relatively underwhelming summer transfer window. Following the blockbuster £88.5 million Jude Bellingham transfer, the absence of any meaningful movement in the transfer market from the Merengues — especially on the question of a No. 9 — has surprised a fanbase accustomed to watching the world’s best players.
A quiet summer, to say the least, was made that much worse by what they have lost in star striker Karim Benzema, who left in favour of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
To replace the Ballon d’Or winner, they have signed on loan the 33-year-old striker Joselu, once of Stoke City and a reliable veteran who was relegated with Alaves and Espanyol in the two previous seasons. It is thought that the Spanish giants will look to bring in a new high-profile striker at the end of the season.
Mbappe has been on Real Madrid’s radar for several years and was left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season squad after declining to trigger the extension in his existing deal, with PSG putting him up for sale as a result.
The 24-year-old has less than 12 months remaining on his deal, meaning he could be available on a free transfer, with Real Madrid dubbed the favourites to land his signature. After a summer of uncertainty, Mbappe was later reintegrated into the PSG squad, although it was being reported that he still has no plans to sign an extension.
However, French outlet L’Equipe recently reported that PSG are not giving up hope of tying their superstar down to another deal, thereby handing a bitter blow to Real Madrid’s prospects. As such, they are in no mood to be messed about yet again after failing to sign him in 2021 and have drawn up a shortlist of alternative targets to pursue ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season if they cannot sign Mbappe.
The Norway international scored a staggering 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last term, helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure a historic treble. Haaland’s ridiculous goalscoring form has continued this season, too, as he has scored six goals in four Premier League appearances so far.
Real Madrid would certainly have to line up a huge offer if they are to pursue Haaland next summer. Haaland reportedly has a release clause worth €200 million that kicks in 2024 and is only valid for clubs outside of the Premier League.
Manchester City will, though, make it extremely difficult for Florentino Perez to activate that clause for the striker. The Cityzens are set to offer Haaland a new contract, which would extend his stay at the Etihad beyond his current deal, which is valid until 2027, and would “make him one of the highest-paid players on the planet.”
Also Read: Real Madrid Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
It remains to be seen if Haaland accepts the new deal that will soon be on the table, which will shed light on whether he wants to join another top team like Real Madrid in the near future.
Real think that all they have to say is “come” and whoever comes.
Real maybe unaware that UEFA now rank City above them.
Why on EARTH would Haaland go anywhere else at the moment? In the top team in the world, with the top manager in the world, and the top league in the world.
Twaddle. Real and Barca, time to stop tapping up our players.