Real Madrid give up on Haaland

Karan Tejwani

• 3 May 2022 15:44 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have given up on the idea of signing Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland this summer, paving the way for other clubs to make their move, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon.

The Norwegian forward has been one of the game’s brightest and most in-demand talents over the years, attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs including Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

It has long been believed that Manchester City would be the next destination for Haaland, with other clubs slowly backing out of the race due to the high cost of the operation.

Related articles

Could Chelsea flop Lukaku really return to Inter?

Havertz may have just ended Lukaku's Chelsea career

Chelsea power rankings: Havertz explodes, Lukaku crashes

Where will Haaland go next?

However, according to Marca, Haaland wants guarantees that manager Pep Guardiola will be at the Etihad Stadium long enough for the forward to grow as much as possible.

City have been in talks to extend Guardiola’s contract until 2025, which would give Haaland three years under the Catalan manager.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, seem to be prioritizing other targets ahead of next season – especially PSG’s Kylian Mbappe – and see Haaland as an additional expenditure that doesn’t need to be made immediately.

Furthermore, there are other positions that seemingly need strengthening, such as right-back and midfield, and need to save up to spend on those areas.

Recently, players like Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Sporting’s Pedro Porro, who is on loan from Manchester City, have been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

Several clubs have backed out of the race to sign Haaland, seeing as there is a high cost attached in terms of agent fees and fees to his father, Alf-Inge.

That has left the door open for Manchester City to take advantage, and they may work quickly to complete a deal for the 21-year-old.

This season, Haaland has managed 28 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions, despite enduring a tough goal drought over the course of the winter period.

Over the course of his Borussia Dortmund career, Haaland has managed 85 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions, having signed in the middle of the 2019-20 season.