When Pep Guardiola left, Real Madrid turned its attention to Manchester. The target is Erling Haaland.
The British tabloid The Sun reported on the 25th (Korean time) that Real Madrid has been closely monitoring Haaland's situation since Guardiola's departure from Manchester City. That does not mean negotiations are underway immediately. However, if Real moves, the market can be shaken by rumors alone.
Haaland is under a long-term contract with Man City through 2034. Judging by the contract period alone, the possibility of a transfer is low. He is not a player Man City would easily let go. He is reported to have scored 162 goals in 198 official matches after moving from Borussia Dortmund to Man City. This season he also led the scoring race with 27 Premier League goals.
Still, the reason reports say Real is watching is Guardiola's departure. Guardiola was the figure who tied Man City's tactics, squad and club identity together. If he leaves, Man City's next era will inevitably change. Whoever the successor is, it is unclear whether they can use Haaland in the same way Guardiola did.
The Sun also claimed that Haaland has recently seemed somewhat subdued. With Man City falling behind in the title race and Guardiola's departure added to the mix, uncertainty over the squad's future has increased. Real is a club that does not miss such gaps.
Real also needs change. After a trophyless season, they must reassess the balance of the attack and the locker room. Even with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, there remains a thirst for a definite finishing option up front. Haaland is a No. 9 that needs no explanation. He is a player who can change a game with a single touch inside the box.
But the reality is not simple. The transfer fee would inevitably be astronomical. Haaland's salary is also among the world's highest. Even if Guardiola leaves, Man City is likely to want to place Haaland at the center of a new project. There is a world of difference between Real having interest and actually succeeding in signing him.
Real has also waited a long time in the past. Mbappé's transfer was completed after years of discussion. Haaland could be managed in a similar way. Even if they cannot bring him in immediately, they can watch the situation and wait for the moment the player's mind wavers.
This report is closer to a signal than a confirmation. Man City, with Guardiola gone, has become the subject of observation by Europe's big clubs. Haaland is at the center of that. After Pep's era ended, Real is eyeing yet another huge name.<
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