Former Real Madrid striker Alfonso Pérez Muñoz has encouraged his old club to make a bold move for Erling Haaland, insisting that Los Blancos need a “pure centre-forward” to complete their already star-studded attack. The ex-Spain international also expressed disappointment that the club failed to secure Martin Zubimendi before the Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal in the summer.
Real Madrid’s forward line is currently one of the most feared in world football. Kylian Mbappé has been in blistering form, scoring 16 goals in just 13 appearances this season, while Vinícius Júnior continues to shine from the left. Teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono has shown flashes of brilliance, and Jude Bellingham, now fully fit, reminded fans of his quality with a crucial goal in last weekend’s El Clásico victory over Barcelona. Meanwhile, Arda Güler has emerged as a revelation under Xabi Alonso, and Rodrygo remains a dangerous option waiting for his next run of games.
Despite this abundance of talent, Alfonso believes that Real Madrid still lack a true No. 9. Speaking to AS, he explained:
“I’ve been missing a pure centre-forward for a long time. Benzema, Cristiano, and Mbappé have been phenomenal, but I would love to see a player like Haaland at Madrid – someone who lives for goals.”
The Norwegian striker has been unstoppable once again for Manchester City, netting 15 goals in 12 matches so far this season. However, a potential move to Madrid appears complicated. Haaland is under contract with City until 2034, and Pep Guardiola has repeatedly dismissed speculation of his departure. A transfer would likely require a major tactical reshuffle at Madrid — possibly even the sale of a key attacker such as Vinícius to make room for Haaland both financially and positionally.
Alfonso also reflected on Madrid’s failure to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad before Arsenal swooped in with a £60 million deal. “I would have signed him,” he admitted. “Madrid needs more creative players in midfield, the kind that Kroos and Modrić have been for so long.”
The former striker also warned that youngsters Gonzalo García and Endrick could struggle for playing time with Mbappé leading the line. “If they don’t get the minutes they need, they’ll have to look elsewhere. It’s not easy being a striker at Real Madrid — especially when you come from the academy,” he said.
As speculation continues to swirl, it’s clear that Alfonso sees Haaland as the missing piece to restore Real Madrid’s traditional dominance — a move that would send shockwaves through European football.
