- Andriy Lunin asked to make choice between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
- Real Madrid linked with moves for superstar duo
- Current goalkeeper Lunin chose based on who he would rather as a number nine
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has admitted he would rather play Manchester City’s Erling Haaland as a centre forward than Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.
Although neither Haaland nor Mbappe have actually transferred to the Santiago Bernabeu just yet, they have both been heavily connected with transfers to Madrid in the last several years.
Lunin has stoked the fires of transfer rumor mills with a revealing response in a lightning-fast Q&A with El Chiringuito.
After being asked to select between Mbappe and Haaland, Lunin said, “As a number nine, Erling Haaland.”
Mbappe has a versatile frontline game, typically playing on the left flank or in the center of a front two, whereas Haaland has only ever played in the number nine position.
Earlier this week, 90 Minutes revealed that PSG has a list of potential replacements for Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer market. The list includes Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, Victor Osimhen of Napoli, and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Mbappe’s deal with PSG is complex and ends in June, although the French club may recoup as much as €80 million in loyalty incentives and other considerations if he leaves at season’s end.
According to Spanish media, Haaland is reportedly dissatisfied in England and is considering a relocation to Madrid.
Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola recently said, “It [a transfer] is not going to happen,” and dared Real Madrid to contact City to inquire about Haaland’s availability. Whether we get bids for him, whether the club chooses to extend the deal, and whether Erling decides to prolong the contract are all factors that will determine when this happens.
“Phone Erling. It’s that simple. Ring up Man City and inquire. In order to sign someone, it is the procedure we follow. This is not hard.
Naturally, you should disregard it [the media’s commentary]. In this world, I am aware of what is genuine. I couldn’ care less, so long as the players are focused on their tasks, the rest is beside the point.
