According to a report from The Sun, it has been suggested that if Real Madrid fail to secure a deal for Kylian Mbappe this summer, they will aim to sign Manchester City star Erling Haaland instead. Mbappe’s representatives have refuted claims of his agreement to join Los Blancos on a free transfer. In the event that Mbappe opts against the move, Real Madrid might pursue Haaland as an alternative option.
Haaland’s Stellar Performance At Manchester City
Erling Haaland has been in exceptional form at the Etihad Stadium, showcasing impressive goal-scoring prowess. The Norwegian striker has been a constant challenge for opposing defenders, netting nineteen times and providing five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions for Man City.
Displaying his attacking prowess, the 23-year-old has been formidable, averaging 3.9 shots, 1.1 key passes, and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Nonetheless, there’s room for improvement in his link-up play in the final third, with a pass completion rate of 74.4% in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Haaland’s existing contract extends until 2027 and features a release clause set at a massive £172 million. Allegedly, this clause is specifically applicable to Premier League clubs meaning Real Madrid could potentially negotiate a deal if they go all in.
Will Guardiola Sanction A Deal For Haaland?
Since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, Erling Haaland has swiftly established himself as one of the most prolific and highly sought-after forwards globally. His exceptional ability to score goals, combined with his speed and tireless work ethic, has made him an indispensable asset within Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The Norwegian striker seamlessly integrated into City’s attacking lineup, delivering remarkable performances across domestic and European competitions. His presence brought a new dynamic to City’s offensive strategy, consistently demonstrating remarkable precision in finding the back of the net.
Guardiola’s tactical expertise has played a pivotal role in Haaland’s success at Manchester City. The manager has designed a system that maximizes Haaland’s strengths, enabling him to excel in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Guardiola consistently maintains that he won’t stand in any player’s way if they wish to depart from the Etihad. Nevertheless, if Haaland opts for a move to Spain, the gap he leaves in Man City‘s attacking lineup will be notably challenging to fill.
However, Haaland might also harbor doubts about a transfer to Real Madrid. Transitioning from one established club, which has achieved numerous successes, to another big club in the midst of a shift from an old squad of legends to a new one, genuinely seems illogical.
