Real Madrid choose Haaland as their Benzema successor
FT Desk
- 18 Oct 2022 11:14 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid have discarded Kylian Mbappe and chosen Erling Haaland as their successor to Karim Benzema, according to AS.
Benzema was crowned as Ballon d’Or winner on Monday, following a sensational 2021-22 season in which he was the key man in their Champions League and La Liga triumphs.
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But Benzema turns 35 before the end of the year and, while he is expected to extend his contract that expires this season, Madrid need to find a successor sooner rather than later.
The chosen successor had originally been Mbappe, who was set to join Madrid on a free transfer this past summer.
Erling Haaland at Man City: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23
But Mbappe then went against his word and renewed his contract with PSG.
Although there has been talk of a move for Mhappe being reignited in 2023, AS reports that this isn’t the case.
Madrid discard Mbappe
In fact, the Spanish publication says that Mbappe has been definitely discarded and instead Madrid will focus on making Haaland their next number 9 after Benzema.
Haaland has a release clause in his Man City contract that comes into effect in the summer of 2024 that is worth €200 million.
According to The Athletic, that release clause is only valid for clubs outside of the Premier League.
It is also reported that the release clause will decrease each year after it is activated in 2024.
Haaland completed a €60m transfer to Man Utd from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Norwegian turned down Real Madrid and Barcelona in order to join the English champions.
Haaland has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2022-23 season, breaking record after record and scoring 20 goals in his first 13 games for his new club.
It is also believed that Haaland doesn’t see himself staying at City for the long term, and would be keen in joining Madrid in 2024 or 2025.
