Transfer Centre

Real Madrid 'considering summer move for Erling Braut Haaland'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 March 2023

Real Madrid could make an attempt to sign Manchester City forward Erling Braut Haaland during this summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City forward Erling Braut Haaland during this summer's transfer window.

Los Blancos were heavily linked with the Norway international during his time at Borussia Dortmund, but Man City ultimately won the race to sign the 22-year-old on a five-year contract.

Haaland has continued his remarkable scoring form from recent seasons during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on 33 occasions in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens.

The forward already has 27 Premier League goals this term, while he has found the back of the net on five occasions in five appearances in the Champions League.

Man City are currently trailing Arsenal in the Premier League table, though, sitting five points off the Gunners on the same number of matches (26).

Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their third goal on February 15, 2023 © Reuters

Despite Haaland's incredible scoring form, there have also been claims that Man City are not as fluid with the Norwegian in their side, having become used to operating without a recognised centre-forward.

According to The Independent, Real Madrid believe that there is a chance of a summer deal for Haaland, and the reigning Spanish and European champions are seriously considering an audacious approach.

The report claims that the forward is viewed as the ideal long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, who has still not signed a new contract at Bernabeu.

Benzema's current terms are due to expire at the end of June; the forward is set to sign a new deal, but he will be 36 later this year, and there have been injury problems for the former Lyon youngster this season.

Real Madrid had allegedly initially been looking to move for Haaland in the summer of 2024 but could make an attempt to secure what would be an incredible deal in the upcoming market.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Erling Braut Haaland after the match on February 22, 2023 © Reuters

Haaland scored 86 goals and contributed 23 assists in 89 appearances for Dortmund before making the move to the Etihad Stadium last summer.

The forward is allegedly not planning to spend the majority of his career at Man City, and a move to Spain is believed to be firmly in his plans for the future.

As well as Benzema, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Nacho and Mariano Diaz only have deals with Real Madrid until the end of the campaign.

There has also been speculation surrounding the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, although a lot could depend on how the capital giants finish the campaign.

Los Blancos will take a 5-2 lead into the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Liverpool next week, while they are also in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, trailing 1-0 to Barcelona.

Real Madrid have serious ground to make up when it comes to La Liga, though, currently sitting second in the table, nine points behind Barcelona on the same number of matches (24).