The recent ties between Erling Haaland and Real Madrid have left his close circle unhappy, according to insider sources.
SPORT revealed over a week ago that Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, aims to secure a transfer for the Manchester City forward by 2025, alongside Kylian Mbappe.
Last April, it was disclosed that Guardiola opted to extend Haaland’s contract until 2025, nullifying the £150 million release clause set to activate this summer at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite rumors linking the Norwegian sensation to the Spanish giants, City expressed confidence in retaining him on a long-term basis as recently as January.
Insiders reported last month that Haaland would join Los Blancos immediately if given the opportunity, particularly given his fondness for Spain and frequent visits to Marbella.
According to insights from The Athletic, Haaland’s inner circle has dismissed the recent Real Madrid links with amusement.
Moreover, the anticipated transfer fee to secure Haaland is expected to be closer to £100 million than the rumored £200 million, owing to the activation of release clauses over subsequent years.
The negotiation landscape between Manchester City and Haaland could be complicated by these clauses, yet the player’s desire to join Real Madrid or another club will dictate their relevance in the future.
Furthermore, with Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival at Real Madrid, Haaland’s prospects of extending his contract until 2027 have heightened.
However, Bayern Munich and Juventus are unlikely to pursue the Leeds-born striker due to reported dissatisfaction with the length of his current Manchester City contract.
Haaland has not expressed interest in joining either team. If Real Madrid pursues Haaland, insiders believe it would be challenging to finalize a deal, as it may prompt salary adjustments for other high-profile players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid’s current strategy prioritizes signing one superstar each summer, with President Florentino Perez focused on this approach.
Manchester City may consider offering Haaland a salary increase and restructuring his buy-out clauses to secure him on a new contract.
