Erling Haaland unlikely for Real Madrid as Man City calm and Leeds dream recalled | OneFootball

Erling Haaland’s mooted summer switch to Real Madrid appears unlikely, with the Manchester City striker likely to remain at the Etihad. According to Leeds Live, Madrid’s focus lies elsewhere for a potential record deal.

Talk of Haaland to the Bernabéu gathered pace when presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme pledged to sign him. Riquelme lost the vote to Florentino Perez, 64.8 per cent to 35.2, and the winner vowed a bid of at least £130m for another player.

Perez later said the target is an attack-minded midfielder from outside the Premier League, with an offer around £150m, and stressed it is not Haaland.

City dismissed claims of a release clause and said there was no chance of such a move, adding they were considering legal action over image use. Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, and agent Rafaela Pimenta also rejected the assertions.

Haaland, born in Leeds with his father a player there from 1997 to 2000, has previously voiced an ambition to represent the club. He has even spoken about winning the Premier League with Leeds and eclipsing his dad.

He declined to celebrate after scoring twice at Elland Road in City’s 3-1 win in 2022, describing it as a special moment with his father present. Signed from Borussia Dortmund in May 2022 for just over £50m, he agreed a nine-and-a-half-year extension in January 2025, taking his deal to 2034.

Source: Leeds Live