Real Madrid presidential candidate plans to sell superstar forward to make room for Haaland – report | OneFootball

The debate surrounding Real Madrid’s presidential elections continues to intensify, and a new report has now raised questions about the future of one of the club’s biggest stars.

According to Rodra (h/t RM4 Arab), sources close to presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme believe that Vinicius Jr. could be placed on the transfer market if he wins the election. 

While the candidate has not publicly acknowledged such a plan, the report suggests that significant changes to the squad could accompany his ambitious sporting project.

The speculation arrives shortly after Riquelme’s headline-grabbing promise to bring both Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu if elected president.

Vinicius to be sacrificed in Haaland project

Riquelme’s campaign has largely centred around the promise of delivering world-class signings to Real Madrid.

Riquelme is not in favour of Vinicius’ continuity. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The candidate recently stated that both Haaland and Rodri would become Real Madrid players under his presidency, although reports surrounding Haaland have already faced public denials from people close to the Manchester City striker.

Now, attention has shifted to how such a project would actually function from a sporting perspective.

On paper, accommodating Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Haaland in the same starting line-up would create major tactical questions. 

All three players would expect central roles in the project, while balancing their strengths within a single system would be a significant challenge for any coach.

That reality has fuelled speculation that one major departure could eventually be required if Haaland were to arrive.

So what now?

Florentino Perez wants to renew Vinicius’ contract. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

According to the report, Vinicius is viewed by Riquelme as the most likely candidate in that scenario, although there is currently no public confirmation from him on that matter.

Meanwhile, Florentino Perez’s position appears very different. The current president has consistently prioritised Vinicius’ contract renewal and sees the Brazilian as one of the foundations of the club’s future.

While the idea of pairing Mbappe and Haaland would undoubtedly excite supporters, parting ways with Vinicius would represent an enormous risk.

The Brazilian has established himself as one of Real Madrid’s most influential players over the last several seasons and remains one of the team’s biggest match-winners. 

That is why the identity of the coach would also become crucial in any scenario involving multiple superstar forwards.