Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus in 2018, Karim Benzema has been the only source of goals for Real Madrid in the past three seasons. Only recently (this season), have Real Madrid found a reliant goal-scorer apart from Benzema in Vinicius Jr.
The signings of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic in 2019 were considered to be more than enough to fill in the lack of goals after Ronaldo’s sale. But in hindsight, the signings of Hazard and Jovic have unfortunately turned out to be a colossal failure from all perspectives.
With Karim Benzema recently turning 34-years-old, the former Olympique Lyon striker is nearing the twilight years of his illustrious career. It’s only a matter of time before Benzema hangs his boots up or leaves the Spanish capital as his contract expires in 2023.
As Benzema edges closer to his final lap at Madrid, Real Madrid have to find an ideal replacement for the France international. In today’s market, Los Blancos have to look no further than Erling Haaland to be Benzema’s successor in the number 9 role.
In fact, the Norway international could be the only possible player that could actually come close or even break Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record at Real Madrid. It is well known that Real Madrid are interested in signing Haaland next season. Let’s have a detailed look into all the transfer updates linking the Dortmund striker to Real Madrid. We’ll start off with the latest news and this page will be updated from time to time to keep you on track with Erling Haaland’s possible move to Real Madrid.
THE LATEST MAJOR TRANSFER UPDATES ON ERLING HAALAND TO REAL MADRID
Beware of possible interest from Chelsea
Although Real Madrid are considered to be in the driver’s seat to sign Erling Haaland next summer from Borussia Dortmund, Los Blancos could now potentially face an uphill battle in the signing from Chelsea. The Blues were interested in signing Haaland at the start of the 2021-22 season but eventually, they turned their interest towards Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian’s return was considered to bring an end to the club’s pursuit of finding a reliant goal-scorer, however, Lukaku’s sensational return has been jeopardized following his controversial interview.
At the moment, the environment at the Stamford Bridge surrounding Lukaku seems to have gone sour, and the Blues may resume their interest in signing Haaland to potentially replace the former Inter Milan striker next summer. That all depends on how Lukaku and Thomas Tuchel make amends. For now, Chelsea are still not in the picture.
Dortmund reportedly give the striker a deadline
According to BILD, via BuLiNews.com, Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland has received an ultimatum on making his decision for the summer. The striker is expected to make his decision by the end of February on his future at Dortmund.
It looks like Dortmund wants a clear answer by the end of February from Haaland. The Bundesliga giants are aware of Haaland’s interest in playing elsewhere next season and a definitive statement on his future next summer would make it easier for Dortmund to plan their 2022/23 season without the Norway international.
Erling Haaland told fans he is going to LaLiga
According to AS, Erling Haaland could very well play in Spain next season. The Norwegian international was on holiday in Spain when he spoke to a fan and stated that he would play in the country next season.
Haaland has been closely linked with a move to Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past couple of weeks. The player seems to be more interested in playing in Spain rather than any of the other leagues as the La Liga seems to be more tailored and suited to his style of play. Barcelona are keen on acquiring Haaland to prevent Los Blancos from creating a lethal attacking trident with Vinicius and Mbappe.
Erling Haaland asks his agent to go for Real Madrid
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Erling Haaland wants to play for Real Madrid and has asked his agent to make an attempt with the Spanish giants. Barcelona are also in the race for Haaland, but the Norwegian seems to be more inclined towards Los Blancos. Makes complete sense why Joan Laporta is in a bundle of nerves at the moment.
Barcelona president is very afraid
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta fears that Erling Haaland could possibly sign for Real Madrid in the summer. Laporta fears that if Real Madrid signs both Haaland and Mbappe then they would become a dominant monopoly in Spain and Europe possibly.
Dortmund to double Haaland’s salary in an effort to keep striker?
According to Marca, Borussia Dortmund are looking into the possibility of increasing Erling Haaland’s salary by twice the amount he currently earns. Dortmund are keen on keeping Haaland at the Signal Iduna Park for another season but just monetary incentives would not be enough to convince the young prolific striker.
Real Madrid want Haaland to wait
Real Madrid reportedly prefers having Erling Haaland wait until 2023 to complete his transfer to the Spanish capital as Karim Benzema’s direct replacement. Benzema’s is currently on contract with Los Blancos until 2023 and the club consider’s Haaland to be the ideal successor to the Frenchman. However, in the event that Haaland decides against waiting for another year, Madrid are more than willing to sign him in the summer.
Real Madrid’s interest is official
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed that a lot of the top European sides want Erling Haaland, especially the 13 time European Champions, Real Madrid. He further stated that Haaland might be inclined towards La Liga over the Premier League since the Spanish league seems to be more suited to the player’s ability and technicality.
LaLiga president confirms Los Blancos can sign Haaland
La Liga president, Javier Tebas has stated that Real Madrid have the sufficient amount of funds to sign Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe next summer due to Florentino Perez’s efficient financial management during the pandemic.
Haaland’s release clause could cost more than 75 million euros
In August, rumours developed that Haaland’s previously assumed release clause of 75 million euros could now increase by 15 million in the summer of 2022. Marca reported that Erling Haaland’s clause could be set at 90 million euros.
Haaland’s representation officially visited Madrid
BBC News reported that Mino Raiola along with Alfie Haaland had officially conducted meetings with the board members of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City. This meeting marked the opening negotiations with Erling Haaland’s father and agent with all the interested suitors.