Real Madrid News
Manchester City want to renew Erling Haaland contract to stave off Real Madrid interest
It has been only a few months since Erling Haaland signed for Manchester City, but the Premier League champions are already planning to hand him a new contract to stave off interest from Real Madrid.
This claim comes from SPORT, who state that Pep Guardiola’s side want to ensure that the Norwegian international continues at the Etihad for a long time, especially with Real Madrid’s continued links with a future move for the striker.
Haaland was one of the most in-demand commodities in the transfer market this past summer. But Man City prevailed in the race to sign him from Borussia Dortmund and are already reaping the benefits of the move.
In just 11 matches in all competitions, Haaland has already scored 17 goals for the Citizens, including three hat-tricks in the Premier League, the latest of which came in the Manchester derby as City thrashed United 6-3.
Guardiola’s team are extremely pleased with the impact of the 22-year-old, with the striker even exceeding expectations, given as many expected him to go through a period of adjustment and adaptation at his new club.
Haaland’s current contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027 but it has been reported that a release clause worth €180 million will become active in 2024, at which point Real Madrid intend to strike.
However, in order to avoid that scenario, the Premier League champions wish to negotiate a new contract with Haaland so that they can keep him at the club beyond 2027. At the same time, they also hope to remove the release clause that exists in his current deal.
Such a move would make it extremely difficult for Real Madrid to make a move for Haaland in two years’ time when they were planning to replace current ace goalscorer and club captain Karim Benzema.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
