Spanish champions Real Madrid are reportedly plotting on how to sign Manchester City’s new player Erling Haaland, just weeks after he joined the English champions from Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland is considered one of the best signings of the 2022 summer transfer window because of his amazing goal-scoring performance and records in Bundesliga, Champions League, and for his national team. The 21-year-old Norwegian striker followed the footsteps of his father, Alfie Haaland, who joined Manchester City in 2000.
Haaland’s career record has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in the world and his £51 million move to Manchester City includes a €150 million release clause. This means that he can leave the club after two years if any team can pay for it.
According to multiple reports, Real Madrid are among the teams already waiting for 2024 so that they can bid for Haaland. The Spanish giants see Erling Haaland as a possible replacement for Karim Benzema who’s already in his 30s. However, Madrid claims that the move is not a response to the Kylian Mbappe transfer saga.
Mbappe was Real Madrid’s target for so long but he surprisingly rejected their offer and decided to stay with PSG until 2025. The Spanish champions wanted to sign Mbappe this summer and then go for Haaland next season.
But the Norwegian had already joined Manchester City before Mbappe renewed his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Madrid, on the other hand, are expected to be patient in their pursuit of Haaland, thanks to Karim Benzema’s strong late-career form.
Benzema had his best season at Real Madrid after scoring 44 goals in just 46 games to help Real Madrid win the Spanish league and the Champions League. Madrid had intended to sign Mbappe and Haaland to replace the French star in the event of a natural downturn in form, but his surprising performances last season, which put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or this year reduced the need for a new striker at the Spanish club.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez backed up this stance by stating that no new player will be brought in for now. ‘If someone came, it would be in case Benzema gets lethargic, but not to be a starter,’ Perez said.
Real Madrid are also aware of Erling Haaland’s injury record which is not good enough. The prolific striker is slightly prone to hip and muscle injuries. The Spanish champions want to know if it’s a problem related to his genes or just bad luck.
