How Madrid will line up with Haaland, Mbappe & Pogba
FT Desk
- Updated: 7 Sept 2021 10:14 BST
- 3 min read
Marca are again reporting this week that Real Madrid are planning sign three of world football’s superstars together in the summer of 2022.
The Blancos endured a rather quiet transfer window this year, only spending their first transfer fee on deadline day when buying Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes.
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Although they captured David Alaba on a Bosman transfer, they lost star defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane to probably weaken the team overall.
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However, according to Marca, Madrid aim to create a super-team next summer by signing Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba.
Mbappe seems certain to join Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, having almost made the move this past summer. The Frenchman has made no secret of his desire to complete a dream transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pogba will also likely be available on a Bosman as contract talks to renew his deal at Man Utd have made no progress for months.
And, as for Haaland, the Borussia Dortmund hitman will leave the club next summer when his release clause becomes active.
It is unknown how much this release clause is but it will be under €100 million.
While the salaries of these three players will be astronomical, their cost in terms of transfer fees will be very minimal given their quality.
So how would Madrid line up with all three stars?
Real Madrid probable XI with Haaland, Mbappe and Pogba
It is most likely that a 4-3-3 formation would fit Madrid best.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would be protected by a back-four of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy.
Paul Pogba would slot into his favoured role on the left of a three-man central midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Camavinga.
If Madrid wished to be more defensive they could introduce Casemiro instead of Kroos or Camavinga. Luka Modric will likely leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, given he will be in his 37th year.
As for the attack, Erling Haaland would displace veteran Karim Benzema as the number nine given the Frenchman will turn 35 in December 2022. Vinicius Jr and Mbappe would then form a mouthwatering wing-duo.
Gareth Bale will leave the club when his contract expires in 2022, but Madrid do still have many other options in attack to draw upon such as Eden Hazard, Rodrygo and Marco Asensio.
