Erling Haaland's father drops huge Real Madrid transfer hint

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Erling Haaland’s father has admitted that “anyone would want to play for Real Madrid” amid rumours that his son could secure a blockbuster transfer to the Bernabeu.

The Manchester City striker has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent years and it’s understood that he is regarded as a dream target by Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

Haaland has scored 162 goals in 198 games for Man City and constant speculation in the Spanish press suggests that a transfer to Real Madrid could be on the cards before the end of his playing career.

Speaking to DAZN ahead of Norway’s last-16 clash against Brazil at the World Cup, Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge fuelled rumours of a transfer by refusing to deny that an agreement could be reached in the future.

“Real Madrid move? He’s very happy at Manchester City and has a long contract,” he said (via Fabrizio Romano).

“We’re waiting for the new season… but anyone would want to play for Madrid. You never know what can happen in football.”

Haaland currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €141.8 million - the third most of any player in world football behind Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise - although it’s likely that Man City would demand a world-record fee to even contemplate a sale.

Analysis: Could Erling Haaland join Man City this summer?

Despite Alf-Inge’s comments, it’s highly unlikely that Haaland will join Real Madrid this summer or in 2027.

Los Blancos have already finalised the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries ahead of next season, and all four players are expected to be on huge wages at the Bernabeu. Adding Haaland to the mix may therefore not be financially viable.

Furthermore, it seems unlikely that Man City will accept a sale, with Haaland’s current contract not due to expire until 2034 after he signed a lucrative extension last year.

In addition, Real Madrid may wait until after Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappe leave the club before they seriously pursue a deal for Haaland, with all three players not well-suited to playing together in a front three.