Real Madrid News
Guardiola denies the presence of a special release clause in Haaland’s contract for Real Madrid
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has refuted the claims that star striker Erling Haaland has a release clause in his current contract, saying that the player is ‘incredibly happy’ at the Etihad at this moment.
Despite signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2022, Haaland’s future has been thrown in the air so much so that the Norweigian is already said to be a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid in 2024.
Reports in Spain have been doing rounds that the former Borussia Dortmund striker has a release clause in his City contract that would allow him to sign for Real Madrid in 2024 for a fixed fee; said to be around €200 million in 2024 or €175 million in 2025.
However, speaking after his team’s 5-0 thrashing of FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, which took them closer to knockouts qualification, Guardiola confirmed that the rumours are false.
“It’s not true,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “He has no release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. It’s not true, what can I say? I have the feeling he is incredibly happy here and we will try to make him happy.
“You cannot worry about the rumours, we have to worry about what we can control,” he added.
Haaland has been an absolute phenom for Manchester City this season, chalking up 19 goals and three assists in all competitions.
It must be noted that the striker’s ongoing contract with City runs until 2027 but Spanish media has speculated that he would, in fact, make a transition before it runs out.
Josep Pedrerol had mentioned that it was Haaland who insisted on putting an exit clause in the first place two years from his date of joining while putting Real Madrid on the top of his agenda.
“Haaland puts in a clause that allows him to leave after two years but with priority for Real Madrid. Madrid puts up whatever money it takes and takes Haaland without talking to City,” he had said.
But for now, City are working towards an extension already as they want him to continue at the Etihad for a longer time.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho delighted with 23-year-old Spaniard as Real Madrid’s backup option – report
Real Madrid have started very well under Jose Mourinho, securing victories in five of their six games so far, with the Real Betis game the only exception.
The Portuguese tactician has done a very good job of rotating the players at his disposal, and one such area is left-back.
Alvaro Carreras has responded to increased competition at Real Madrid in exactly the way Jose Mourinho would have wanted.
Rather than allowing Marc Cucurella’s arrival to push him into the background, the left-back has used his opportunity to remind the manager that he remains a serious option.
According to AS, Mourinho has complete confidence in Carreras when required and was already delighted by his professionalism and performances during pre-season.
His display against Rayo Vallecano has only strengthened that trust further.
Carreras takes his opportunity with both hands
Carreras produced one of his most complete performances for Madrid, playing a major role in the victory at the Bernabeu.
He won the penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe before scoring Madrid’s second himself, reacting sharply to a loose ball and finishing calmly after combining inside the penalty area.
His influence went beyond those decisive moments. Carreras created three chances, completed both of his attempted dribbles, made three recoveries and three clearances, won three tackles and came out on top in six of his eight duels.
He also completed 54 passes at an 88% success rate and recorded 90 touches, showing how involved he was throughout the match.
The performance was not necessarily a surprise to Mourinho.
The Madrid coach was impressed by Carreras throughout pre-season, particularly by his attitude and professionalism while the squad gradually came together following the World Cup.
Mourinho even experimented with him in a more advanced position, another indication that he sees useful qualities beyond conventional left-back duties.
Competition with Cucurella can benefit Madrid
Cucurella may currently have the advantage for Madrid’s biggest matches because of his defensive reliability, but Carreras has shown why Mourinho should not view the position as settled.
That is exactly the type of internal competition Madrid need.
Carreras offers energy, powerful forward running and genuine attacking threat. Cucurella provides a different profile and greater defensive security.
Mourinho can choose according to the opponent rather than simply searching for one permanent solution.
Carreras did not have the greatest first season at Madrid, but his second year at the club seems to have started very well.
He has shown Cucurella that he is no pushover at left-back, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho manages their minutes through the course of the campaign.
