According to reports, Erling Haaland is “expected to choose” to leave Manchester City and sign for Real Madrid, with four key reasons behind a potential £152 million transfer.
At the beginning of last year, Haaland appeared committed to Manchester City for the remainder of his career, signing a record-breaking contract extension that runs until 2034.
However, Spanish media see things differently, as they continue to push the idea of Haaland moving to Real Madrid. There is hope at the Spanish club, as it is difficult to believe that Haaland’s contract does not include a release clause that could open the door to a transfer at some point.
A new report from Spain claims that Haaland has a €175 million (£152 million) release clause, which could be activated as early as this summer transfer window—something that is said to have alarmed Real Madrid.
Haaland has taken his all-round game to new levels this season, with Manchester City more reliant than ever on the world-class striker. He has scored 26 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Despite this, Manchester City appear set to fall behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race this season, leading some to argue that Haaland may have already “outgrown” Pep Guardiola’s team.
The same Spanish outlet that mentioned the alleged release clause adds that Haaland “could reconsider his future and embark on a new adventure” if Manchester City “end the season without trophies.”
Another reason why “Haaland’s future is uncertain” is the “possible resignation” of Guardiola, who is reportedly yet to confirm to Manchester City whether he will “honor his contract.”
As for Real Madrid, it is reported that president Florentino Pérez plans to cash in on Vinícius Júnior this summer to avoid losing him for free in 2027, with Haaland described as his “preferred choice” to fill the potential void left by the Brazilian.
Haaland’s arrival would allow Real Madrid to move Kylian Mbappé to the left wing, and the Norwegian striker is said to “ultimately choose” the La Liga giants if they appoint Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
The report concludes: “Haaland is clear that if he leaves City, his priority would be to move to Madrid, provided Klopp is chosen to replace Álvaro Arbeloa. However, for now, he is not yet thinking about his future and first wants to wait and see how the current season ends.”
