According to a report from Caught Offside, Real Madrid have made initial contact with Erling Haaland’s representatives to explore the possibility of signing the Manchester City superstar in the near future.
The Spanish giants are said to be closely monitoring Haaland’s situation at the Etihad, even though City remain adamant that their prolific striker is not for sale under any circumstances.
Sources suggest that Madrid’s long-term vision includes pairing Haaland with Kylian Mbappé, and club officials are willing to make a major financial sacrifice to make that dream a reality. One bold scenario reportedly being discussed is the sale of Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. Contract Talks
The situation surrounding Vinicius has become increasingly uncertain in recent months. Talks between Real Madrid and the player’s camp over a contract extension have reportedly stalled. What was once described as a near-finalized agreement has now collapsed, leaving the future of one of Madrid’s biggest stars in doubt.
According to the report, the 25-year-old Brazilian is demanding a net salary of €25 million per year over a five-year deal — a figure that club president Florentino Pérez and his board are unwilling to meet. While Madrid remain appreciative of Vinicius’ impact and popularity, they no longer consider him completely untouchable.
Real Madrid might be willing to consider offers next summer if the standoff persists, possibly making money before his value further declines.
2026 Seen as a Key Decision Point
Sources close to the club believe that 2026 will be a decisive year for both Vinicius and Madrid. If a renewal is not secured by then, the club is expected to officially put him on the transfer market to avoid the risk of losing him for free later on.
At the same time, Madrid continue to view Haaland as a cornerstone of their future project. The Norwegian striker remains under contract with Manchester City until 2034, meaning any move would require an enormous financial package.
Nevertheless, Madrid are said to be strategically preparing for a moment when Haaland may be open to a new challenge — and selling Vinicius could provide the financial muscle needed to strike when that time comes.
