GABRIEL MONNET/AFP courtesy of Getty Images
There has finally been a new update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe since the controversy started in 2018. According to reports, the club has chosen not to sign the player and will instead attempt to strengthen their squad via other means.
The Frenchman has been their main aim for almost four years, with the deal virtually completed in 2022, when the player was due to become a free agent.
However, after multiple unsuccessful efforts and maybe bruised egos, Real Madrid has decided to make Erling Haaland a genuine possibility for the summer of 2024, according to Carlos Carpio (h/t Madrid Zone).
Currently playing for Manchester City, the striker is regarded as the finest player in the world in his position, finishing runners-up in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, one spot ahead of Kylian Mbappe himself.
Haaland led City to a treble in his debut season with the club, scoring more than 50 goals and breaking many records in the process.
How much will Haaland set you back?
Previous reports claimed that he had a release clause in his contract, which has subsequently been debunked.
As a result, Madrid will have to spend a lot to acquire the star, with his transfer likely to cost between €150 million and €200 million. That is, assuming he decides to leave the club in the first place.
Mbappe’s replacement.
While Mbappe has been at the top of Madrid’s priority list for some time, Haaland is perhaps a better tactical fit for them.
The Frenchman plays best off the left, either in a two-man system up top or on the left flank with the ability to go inside. Vinicius Jr now fills that job for Real Madrid, and he does so well.
However, with the departure of Karim Benzema, the record UCL champions need a striker much more than a winger. While Mbappe can play in that position, he prefers to play on the left.
This is when Haaland enters the picture. With Vinicius’ ability to dominate the flank alone, along with Madrid’s midfield’s inventiveness, the Norwegian will get world-class service all around.
However, it is too early to call the transfer, and both transfer sagas are anticipated to take some unexpected twists and turns as the season progresses.
