Real Madrid aren’t satisfied with just the impending signing of Kylian Mbappe. While they view him as the No. 1 priority and will be thrilled to have the Frenchman at the Santiago Bernabeu next season, we know that ambitious president Florentino Perez is drawn to the idea of bringing both Erling Haaland and Mbappe to the new-look venue. Galacticos go together.
However, it seems as if Los Blancos continue to have reason to be pessimistic that they will be able to pull off this deal in what has become an even more clear two-team battle between themselves and Manchester City.
Jack Gaughan recently reported that Manchester City have a deal in place with Erling Haaland, but that was quickly rubbished by the more plugged-in Jan Aage Fjørtoft, who is close to the Haaland family.
MARCA’s Mario Cortegana is seen as the most reliable reporter covering Real Madrid, and he was asked by a fan about this Gaughan report. Cortegana was transparent about how much info he has on the topic, stating that City have given an offer to Haaland that has made Real express pessimism to the reporter.
Real Madrid cannot compete with Manchester City financially
Beyond that, though, there does not seem to be anything agreed. Fjørtoft’s public comment is essentially confirmation that the City-based reporter may have jumped the gun. But the fact that he did report this, in conjunction with Madrid’s apparent pessimism, is reason for Madridistas to believe that City could be favored here.
It may all come down to money, despite the apparent wishes of Haaland to play for Real Madrid. Mino Raiola and the Haaland family can make more money from this deal if they sign with City, who have more financial power and maybe more willingness to spend. Real don’t tend to beg for superstars; they can usually attract them without throwing more cash than they need to, as evidenced by the Mbappe case.
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Haaland has not made his choice yet, and the affinity for Madrid must be strong. Is it strong enough? Unlike Mbappe, that may not be the case for Haaland. But what I can say is that on the whole, it is more of a disappointment than a disaster if he chooses City for now. He could always go to Madrid in the future, and, well, City is better than Barcelona. Real Madrid will be getting an even better player in Mbappe and can then use the money they are saving on role players to help their next No. 7.