Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland as the speculation surrounding the striker’s future has refused to fade. Despite his long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium, reports from Spain suggest that the Norwegian could one day find himself wearing the white shirt of Los Blancos.
Haaland, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has been nothing short of spectacular in England.
His extraordinary scoring record has helped Pep Guardiola’s side maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Recently, the Sky Blues rewarded the 24-year-old with a contract extension that runs until 2034 — a clear signal of how central he is to City’s future plans.
Yet, despite this long-term commitment, speculations about a possible move to Spain continue to surface.
According to Sport Witness, Spanish journalist Jorge Picón, speaking on El Desmarque Madrugada, insists that Haaland remains tempted by the idea of playing for Real Madrid.
He said there is a genuine desire from the Norwegian to experience life in La Liga and represent one of football’s most iconic clubs.
Picón described the striker’s admiration for the Spanish giants as an open secret among those close to him.
“He would very much like to play for Real Madrid, as his own entourage confirms,” the journalist said. Those remarks have reignited discussions about the possibility of a future transfer, despite Haaland’s current comfort and success in Manchester.
While Manchester City have done everything possible to secure their star man, there appears to be a mechanism in his contract that could offer an “escape route.”
Picón revealed that Haaland’s camp has ensured he retains a degree of control over his career decisions, hinting at the existence of a release clause — although the exact amount remains undisclosed.
“Furthermore, as his agent Rafaela Pimienta has repeatedly stated, he is the master of his own destiny. He has an escape route from Manchester City, a release clause whose exact figure is still unknown,” Picón added.
That clause could prove crucial if Real Madrid ever decide to make a concrete approach.
In recent years, Madrid have been patient in their pursuit of world-class talent, strategically waiting for the right moment to strike — as seen in their drawn-out chase of Kylian Mbappé.
For Haaland, the situation could unfold in a similar way, with the Spanish club keeping a watchful eye on both his performances and the contractual situation at City.
Haaland’s own preferences also play a major role. His representatives have often emphasised that the striker’s career path will be determined by his personal ambitions rather than by financial incentives.
The Norwegian’s desire to experience different football cultures has been well documented since his days in Germany, and a move to Spain would certainly fit within that narrative.
The Vinícius factor and Madrid’s forward planning
Picón further noted that any potential move for Haaland would depend on Real Madrid’s existing attacking setup — particularly the future of Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian winger, now 25, remains a cornerstone of Madrid’s attack and has a contract that runs until 2027. However, talks over a possible extension are ongoing, and their outcome could directly impact Haaland’s prospects of joining.
“I wouldn’t separate this case from Vinícius’. He doesn’t close the door on renewing his contract, not at all, and both sides are confident it can happen. If Vinícius stays, I see Haaland’s arrival as a bit more difficult,” Picón explained.
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If Vinícius signs a new deal, it would likely signal Madrid’s intention to build their future frontline around him and Mbappé, making the addition of another superstar striker less urgent.
On the other hand, if there are delays or complications in securing the Brazilian’s extension, the club could reignite their interest in Haaland with greater intensity.
President Florentino Pérez has long been known for assembling squads packed with global stars — the so-called Galácticos era being a prime example. Therefore, the report that Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland might be another attempt to assemble big players.
Haaland, with his remarkable goal-scoring ability, would fit that tradition perfectly. His combination of power, pace, and precision has already seen him break multiple records in England, and Madrid are one of the few clubs capable of matching both his ambition and his commercial appeal.
