Manchester City may once again find one of their primary superstar names thrust into a transfer saga concerning Real Madrid, amid new reports from Spain.
While Kylian Mbappé’s long-anticipated move to the Santiago Bernabéu finally materialised, the next Galáctico reshuffle could already be brewing as reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is weighing up the long-term future of his attacking line.
Once again, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is being viewed as the ideal figure to spearhead that vision with fresh speculation arriving just six months after the Norwegian committed his long-term future to Manchester City by signing a bumper new contract.
The Norway international striker extended his stay at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2034, a deal that erased a previously existing release clause and would see him remain with the club until his 34th birthday. At the time of signing, Haaland expressed clear satisfaction with life under Pep Guardiola and spoke glowingly about the culture and support at the club.
“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Haaland said back in January. “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.”
The club’s now-former sporting director Txiki Begiristain echoed that sentiment, stating that the length of the new deal was a testament to both the club’s belief in the player and Erling Haaland’s dedication to City.
However now, according to the information of Spanish outlet SER – as relayed by Mundo Deportivo – Erling Haaland would be Florentino Perez’s ‘dream’ to pair with Kylian Mbappe in attack for Real Madrid in the even of a transfer for Vinicius Junior.
Saudi Arabia are said to be the main suitor for Vinicius and have sounded out the Brazilian’s entourage for months, with talk of a €1 billion per season salary for the player and a €350 million transfer fee for Real Madrid.
However, while Real Madrid are said to be aware of the interest from the Middle-East, there has been no firm offer from Saudi Arabia to sign Vinicius so far.
While a sensational offer from Saudi Arabia for Vinicius has yet to materialise in formal terms, the scale of figures reportedly being floated will likely draw the attention of Real Madrid’s leadership. The departure of Vinicius, were it to occur, would require a statement-level response from Pérez and co., and Erling Haaland is considered the ultimate prize.
But any pursuit of the Norwegian hitman would face immediate and firm resistance from Manchester City, where he is central to their long-term vision, both on and off the pitch. His status as a global commercial icon, his age, and his extraordinary scoring record make him one of the few truly untouchable figures in the squad.
Furthermore, with Pep Guardiola under contract until 2027 and City continuing to refresh their squad around a young core, the idea of losing Haaland any time soon seems almost incompatible with the club’s broader ambitions. Internally, there is belief that the January contract renewal significantly reduced the vulnerability around Haaland’s future, particularly by removing the release clause that would have allowed Spanish clubs to trigger negotiations.
Looking ahead, Manchester City are unlikely to entertain any offer, regardless of size, unless Haaland himself were to initiate discussions over a departure – something he has shown no intention of doing. However, Real Madrid’s admiration will likely persist, especially if the Saudi interest in Vinicius becomes more concrete in the months ahead.
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