Madrid v Barca? Haaland rejects monster Man City bid

FT Desk

• Updated: 6 Apr 2022 17:45 BST
• 3 min read

Erling Haaland has rejected a colossal contract offer worth €28 million per season from Manchester City, according to Diario Sport.

The Spanish daily sports paper, based in Catalunya, reports that the Borussia Dortmund attacker prefers to move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona because he wants to play in La Liga.

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Man City could opt to raise their salary offer but it is understood that money is not Haaland’s main priority and that he values the sporting project much more.

Thus, Haaland would be happy to accept a lower wage at one of the Clasico sides given City will be able to outbid both clubs financially.

Haaland is set to leave Dortmund at the end of the season when his €75 million release clause is activated.

Virtually every top club in Europe is interested in signing the 21-year-old, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG.

But it is Real Madrid, Man City and Barcelona who have for some time been in the lead for his signature.

FootballTransfers understands that Barcelona have pulled out of the race (in order to pursue Robert Lewandowski), leaving it a two-horse race between Madrid and City.

But some Spanish media continue to claim that Barca have not completely given up hope of finding a way to finance the deal.

Nevertheless, City and Madrid both have the funds ready to sign Haaland.

The Blancos have not yet tabled an official offer – despite constant talks with Haaland’s entourage – but City have delivered their first contract proposal.

Despite offering €28m per season, which would make Haaland one of the best paid players in the world, the Norwegian has turned down the offer.

Diario Sport claims, though, that Haaland wants to decide who his next club is by the end of this month.

Haaland has enjoyed two brilliant years at Dortmund since joining from Salzburg in January 2020.

He has scored 80 goals in just 83 games for the club, although he has suffered a number of injuries this season.