After missing out on Karim Benzema for free this season, Real Madrid wants to make a big signing next year.
While they did not replace the great Frenchman, they did bring in Jude Bellingham, who, together with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, replaced him in total.
With 19 goals between them in the league so far, the trio has done a fantastic job of matching Benzema’s production, but they need a star striker in the team to preserve the balance and variety of the source of goal contributions.
As a result, it’s no surprise that Kylian Mbappe’s name has resurfaced on their radar. However, he is joined by his generation’s main rival, Erling Haaland, who is also supposedly a target for Real Madrid.
According to SPORT, Madrid’s board is split between the two alternatives ahead of the summer transfer season. While Mbappe had been their favored acquisition, the name of Haaland is slowly gathering interest.
Mbappe is an unrestricted free agent, however…
After ignoring them for the last five years, it is reasonable that Madrid is not interested in acquiring Mbappe now, even if he would be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
Even if Madrid puts ego aside, there remain issues with Mbappe’s tactical fit at the club. His finest position competes with Vinicius Jr’s, who has done an excellent job as their poster boy so far, with Benzema in the past and Bellingham now.
…Haaland is a better match.
At this moment, Haaland has a lot of support for his signing at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Madrid is anxious about his transfer cost, believing that Manchester City would want at least €200 million.
Having said that, Haaland is a far better tactical fit for Los Blancos, who now only have Joselu as a striker. The Spaniard has done well so far this season, but he is far from the ‘killer’ Madrid is hoping for.
With Haaland in the lineup, Real Madrid may continue to start all of Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo.