Guardiola hints at Haaland future amid Real Madrid links

Suraj Radia

• 12 Mar 2023 10:19 GMT
• 2 min read

Pep Guardiola brushed off rumours of Erling Haaland being a target for Real Madrid after the Manchester City striker returned to the scoresheet against Crystal Palace.

Haaland netted the only goal of the game with a late penalty, having failed to score last time out against Newcastle, and there has been speculation that Real could make an attempt to sign him this summer.

The Norwegian remains the top scorer in Europe despite scoring just three goals in his last nine games and Guardiola believes his star striker is ‘happy’ at the club and with his performances.

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“The way he celebrates his goals and his mates' goals shows how happy he is here and how we are with him and his personality,” Guardiola said.

'This guy doesn't score one or two goals and the people go, oh he's not the same! He is always there so the numbers speak for itself.

“One of the biggest attributes I've discovered knowing him and working together is the fact that he can miss one chance, second, he's not getting depressed, he's not sad.

“He's thinking positive, he knows (he) will have the chance, he knows he will be there. And this is an incredible attribute as a football player.”

Real taking aim at Haaland in summer move

Haaland has drawn criticism for his decline in output in recent weeks, having begun the season with 21 goals in his first 17 matches for City.

His reversion to the norm has coincided with City dropping points, prompting some questions over his true value to Guardiola’s side, particularly when he isn’t scoring.

However, Guardiola is unconcerned by such comments, as are Real, who have considered stepping up their interest in Haaland to make him the long-term successor to Karim Benzema.

Haaland is understood to have a release clause worth €200 million in his contract which becomes active in 2024 but Real could accelerate an approach and make a move this summer.

AMBITIONS: Real target Bellingham and Erling Haaland to lead new era

City have no desire to sell their top scorer and a move is unlikely to be successful, although Real may test the Premier League side’s resolve and prey on any uncertainty surrounding the club’s alleged financial breaches.