Real Madrid News
Real Madrid want Erling Haaland to replace Karim Benzema in 2024 – report
Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema is nearing the end of his contract with the defending Champions League winners. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but the Frenchman is expected to pen down a one-year deal.
While he has shown little to no signs of slowing down, Madrid want to sort out a replacement for him as soon as possible.
On their radar is a certain Ering Haaland, and according to AS, Madrid want to sign him in 2024. He is on top of Madrid’s list of priorities for the summer of 2024.
Currently playing for Manchester City, Haaland is inarguably one of the best players of the season, having scored 32 goals in 28 appearances in the Premier League, while also having 11 goals in seven games in the Champions League.
Signing him will not be easy at all, though, as reports suggest that he does not have a release clause in his contract. While he was signed for around €65 million by City, his market value could be anywhere around €150-200 million.
Manchester City know about Real Madrid’s long-term interest in Haaland and want to do their best to safeguard his future at the Etihad. They are ready to take a few measures, including giving him a hike in his salary already.
If old reports are to be believed, Haaland is currently on the same wages as Kevin de Bruyne, earning around €425,000 per week. City could end up giving him a salary worth nearly €570,000.
Apart from Haaland, Real Madrid also still hold a strong interest in Kylian Mbappe, and are willing to wait until 2024 to see if they can sign either or both players. Interestingly, 2024 is also the year Endrick will officially join Madrid from Palmeiras.
Speaking to the media, Brazil Football Confederations (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has claimed that the Selecao have not given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian stating that he will not leave the club.
Brazil have been without a manager since the World Cup in Qatar last year, following which Tite stepped down. The CBF have made Ancelotti their top target and have been pursuing his signing for months but to no avail.
The 63-year-old Italian tactician has, on more than one occasion, made it clear that he will be at Real Madrid next season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
However, CBF president Rodrigues is adamant that Ancelotti’s statements are due to him being cautious as he is under contract at Real Madrid and that the Selecao are not prepared to give up on their quest to appoint him as of yet.
“We made a plan, that ‘Plan A’ is the one you know, Ancelotti, and as they say in the ‘ring’ (boxing), I haven’t thrown in the towel yet,” Rodrigues said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“Because of contracts, people are cautious,” he added.
Ancelotti, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to leave Real Madrid unless he is forced out of the club.
Despite missing out on the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season, the club continue to back the veteran Italian and are planning for next season with him in charge.
So, despite Rodrigues’ confidence and perseverance, it is extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will be leaving Real Madrid for Brazil this summer.
