Why Real Madrid asking Erling Haaland to wait is a tough sell

Erling Haaland is the hottest, most sought-after player in football right now. Even though Kylian Mbappe exists, everyone pretty much assumes that he’s going to Real Madrid, so no one really tries to sign him. Haaland, though, is still very much fair game for the big clubs that are able to afford him. The only thing is that there aren’t many big clubs that can afford him.

Obviously, Real Madrid are one of the clubs interested, but they’d much rather Haaland sees out another season at Dortmund, so that they’re able to make Mbappe’s signing, among others, this season and then focus on the other big fish a year later.

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Florentino Perez has already indicated to Erling Haaland that although Real Madrid really want to sign him, they won’t be able to because of Mbappe’s signing. So, he wants the Norwegian to stay at Dortmund for another year.

I don’t know if that’ll actually happen, considering how hell-bent Haaland and his agent Mino Raiola have been regarding a move. But, we know that the player really wants to move to Real, and because of that, he’d have to meet his condition if he wants to play for the club.

It also works out really well for Dortmund. Marco Reus said to the press a few days ago that he’d advise Haaland to stay at Dortmund because it allows him to be competitive, improve, and feel valued at the club.

Erling Haaland staying at Dortmund would make sense for Real Madrid, but not for the player himself

If Haaland does end up following his and Perez’s advice, it would make sense for Real Madrid. it gives them the time to get the finances in order before spending it on Haaland the year after. It also delays the competition from other clubs, who may even look for alternatives if Haaland stays put. Of course, that’s just my guess, but you never know.

But for Haaland, it’s not as great. Dortmund are not in a brilliant state right now, and asking the player to spend yet another season at a club that isn’t at the top level isn’t fair. Yes, they’re second in the league, but that’s really it, right?

They didn’t qualify for the Champions League Round-of-16 and are now fighting to stay in the Europa League. They got knocked out of DFB Pokal Round-of-16. And even though they are in a respectable position in the league standings, let’s be real, they’re probably not going to win the league because of Bayern’s sheer superiority in every single aspect of the game.

Of course, we all know that he’s ending the season as a Dortmund player. But, after yet another season of going trophyless, would Haaland really want to go through all that again? You don’t have to be a genius to understand that Haaland loves to win. He wants to win. He’s a serial winner. And Dortmund is simply not a serial-winning team.

I’d really want him to stay there, but it’s really tough to ask that of him given the level of football his team are playing at the moment.