- 24 Dec 2024
Erling Haaland to Real Madrid in 2024: The state of play - Fabrizio Romano
Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on reports that Real Madrid have ended their plans to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2024 in order to pursue Erling Haaland instead.
AS reports that Madrid have turned their attention to Haaland, with the Man City star’s agent Rafaela Pimenta present at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to watch the Champions League win over Braga.
But Romano says there are no truth to such reports, with neither Mbappe or Haaland’s futures in 2024 decided yet.
READ MORE: How much is Erling Haaland's 'mystery' release clause at Man City?
What did Romano say?
“Erling Haaland – The latest big name being linked with Real Madrid is Erling Haaland, with the Spanish press claiming he’s their top target now after they decided to stop pursuing Kylian Mbappe,” Romano wrote on CaughtOffside.
“However, I’m not aware of anything about that at this point – I don’t think it’s even worth to mention if it’s realistic or not at this point because there’s nothing to be decided now for Haaland or Mbappe.
“Despite some media noise, my honest understanding is that it’s completely quiet on both sides.”
If Madrid were to sign Haaland next summer they would have to pay the Norwegian superstar’s release clause.
READ MORE: Havertz's struggles are Arteta's fault says Arsenal legend
Haaland has a release clause that comes into effect in the summer of 2024 that is worth €200 million.
According to The Athletic, that release clause is only valid for clubs outside of the Premier League.
It is also reported that the release clause will decrease each year after it is activated in 2024.
Haaland reportedly has a second minimum fee release clause that will be activated in the summer of 2025 that stands at €175m. It will then decrease again in 2026.
As for Mbappe, his contract at PSG expires next summer and it is still widely believed that he will indeed join Madrid on a Bosman Transfer.