BREAKING NEWS: latest news from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid in pole position for Haaland as secret ‘ESCAPE CLAUSE’ opens door for bargain deal. With news of a secret “escape clause” in Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s contract, Real Madrid have been tipped to take advantage and sign the Norwegian for a bargain price. The clause, if activated, would allow Haaland to leave City for a significantly lower fee than his release clause of £150 million. Madrid have been long-term admirers of Haaland and could be the frontrunners to sign him if he becomes available. this could out to be the transfer deal of the decade.
Real Madrid holds the option to secure Erling Haaland from Manchester City at a discounted price during the upcoming summer transfer window. AS, a Spanish outlet, reports that Haaland’s contract with Manchester City has a release clause of £170 million, but it reduces to £85 million for non-domestic clubs. His current deal with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027.
In addition to pursuing Haaland, Real Madrid has rekindled their interest in Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe’s contract with PSG ends in 2024, and there have been talks between Real Madrid and the French club regarding a potential move in the summer. AS suggests that given the possibility of acquiring Haaland at a lower price, Real Madrid could potentially achieve an impressive double transfer swoop.
The combined arrival of Mbappe and Haaland in a single transfer window might parallel Real Madrid’s remarkable summer of 2009 when they secured Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka, and others, assembling a team of ‘Galacticos’.
Meanwhile, since Karim Benzema’s departure to the Saudi Pro League last summer, Real Madrid has not acquired a new striker. Instead, they’ve utilized wingers like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes as forwards, occasionally featuring loanee Joselu as well. Signing Haaland could allow these players to revert to their natural positions.
Haaland made an immediate impact upon joining Manchester City in 2022 for a reported fee of €60 million from Borussia Dortmund. He led the team to a treble in his debut season while setting a new Premier League record for the most goals in a season with 36. Despite an injury sidelining him for the past month, Haaland has continued his impressive form in the 2023-24 campaign, tallying 19 goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances.
