Real Madrid News
Real Madrid prefer Haaland over Mbappe for three reasons – report
A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered an update on Real Madrid’s market policies for the coming summer.
Following the recent speculations about Kylian Mbappe leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning European champions are left with a critical choice to make between the Frenchman and the Norwegian, Erling Haaland, in their quest to sign a new centre forward.
However, the report suggests Real Madrid are tilting towards Haaland due to three key reasons, with one of them being the sense of antipathy Mbappe has created among the Real Madrid camp, following his decision to remain at Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
But more importantly, many in the Real Madrid camp consider Mbappe an unnecessary target, due to the expulsion of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
The two Brazilians have proven to be effective options out wide for Los Blancos. As such, the club do not necessarily require the services of yet another attacker, who favours playing on the flank.
In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti’s team is in dire need of a new centre-forward, who can prove to be a direct replacement for Karim Benzema. The Frenchman is currently in the final phase of his career and the club would require a successor, sooner rather than later.
Another key reason behind Real Madrid’s preference for Haaland is the Norwegian’s relatively low price tag when compared to Mbappe.
With the Frenchman recently signing a bumper new deal with PSG, the French giants will be largely dictating the matters. Les Parisiens already oppose the idea of shipping Mbappe to Real Madrid and there are talks of a whopping €400 million price tag.
Haaland, in contrast, reportedly has a release clause worth €200 million, which can be activated in the summer of 2024. Real Madrid are among the clubs in a position to activate the clause and snap up one of the brightest young players in world football.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have two objectives for the upcoming summer transfer window. The centre-forward and the right-wing position are seen as the two positions to be reinforced but no decision has been made yet about making a move.
This comes over and above the Merengues’ pre-existing need for new midfielders and full-backs in the coming windows.
At first sight, it may appear that Los Blancos are well stacked in the final third. In Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes, they have three starting quality players who are well-complemented by the likes of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Yet, Vinicius is the only player on the aforementioned list who can boast of a starting role in a fixed position for at least the next decade.
There is worry over the centre-forward role considering Benzema’s lack of form and fitness throughout the current campaign. With the Ballon d’Or winner already 35, the club need a young reinforcement soon which is evident with the team’s struggle for goals this term.
Los Blancos have already invested heavily in Endrick in this regard. However, that has not stopped them from following established options like Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland as their Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive until 2024.
The right wing is also understaffed despite the presence of young Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. The duo have no dearth of talent but have not managed to click on the wing as well as the manager would have liked.
Thus, it remains to be seen as to who the club targets to strengthen the wing and aim to stretch the play. Given the heavy investment planned for Jude Bellingham, a low-cost option is likely to be considered.
