Real Madrid allocate budget for 'Galactico' with Mbappe and Haaland 'on the horizon'

Suraj Radia

23 Nov 2023 13:54 GMT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Real Madrid — © ProShots

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing for the arrival of a ‘Galactico’, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe said to be ‘on the horizon’ as options for a sensational signing.

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The Spanish side’s latest accounts show an availability of €128 million in cash, with an additional €265m accessible via credit policies, of which the financing has already been found and approved according to AS.

Real have also cleared space in their wage bill to accommodate five or six years of salary for a ‘galactico’, with a drop in payments from €404.9m last summer to €326.5m now due to the likes of Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard leaving the club.

There has also been a 17% increase in total income and the combination of all the factors has led to a belief that Real will make a major signing next year in the mould of a ‘galactico’.

The term ‘galactico’ refers to Florentino Perez’s first stint as Real president in the early 2000s, when the club targeted big name superstar signings in order to boost their profile on and off the pitch.

Real have operated with an approach towards younger players in recent times but the potential availability of Mbappe combined with the need for a striker in Haaland could see the pair targeted next year.

Will Real Madrid sign Haaland or Mbappe?

Of the duo, Mbappe will perhaps be more attainable due to the French forward’s deal at Paris Saint-Germain expiring next summer, making him available on a free transfer and able to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real in January.

Haaland, meanwhile, is believed to have a release clause worth €200m in his contract at Manchester City which becomes active next summer, although he is said to be happy at the Premier League champions and could even renew his deal to remove the buyout.

© ProShots - Real Madrid president Florentino Perez looks set to bring in another 'Galactico'

Real have been in the market for a striker to replace Benzema, who moved to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, and Haaland is believed to be more in the mould of the forward they want despite the links to Mbappe.

Mbappe has been vocal in his desire to play on the left-wing, a position which is currently occupied by Vinicius Junior at Real, perhaps complicating the chances of a transfer, although a pursuit is likely to be made for both the PSG star and Haaland even though only one player is likely to arrive.