by Benny Lazea

Could Haaland Sign for Real Madrid?

Erling Haaland, the 23-year-old Manchester City striker, has made a...
Could Haaland Sign for Real Madrid?

Goal machine Erling Haaland is one of the most feared strikers in the world, breaking all kinds of records at Manchester City.

The 23-year-old has already blasted 29 goals in all competitions this season and Pep Guardiola is desperate to keep him after his contract runs out in 2027.

Amazingly, despite his £22 million a year salary, he does have a buyout clause of around £170 million this year and £150 next year. Of course, there are not many clubs who could afford that kind of fee but with other Premier League clubs banned from bidding, Spanish giants Real Madrid are looming on the horizon.

Certainly, alarm bells should be ringing at City because although Haaland was instrumental in helping the club to an amazing treble last season - Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League) his father has stated he wants to prove himself in all the best leagues around the world.

Haaland insists he is "happy" at the Etihad but that does not mean that European clubs, particularly Real Madrid who have already signed Jude Bellingham, don’t have Haaland at the top of their shopping list and could come in for him over the next 18 months.

Haaland, who is already the youngest player in Champions League history to score more than 40 goals, rarely gives interviews. In fact, only three since his move to City last year and that's because he wants to let his football do the talking. He has an uncanny instinct for finding the back of the net, is lightning quick, and can score with his head or either foot. 

On the pitch, he is a beast who terrifies and leaves defenders in his wake, but away from the arena, he is gracious and polite, believing that Argentine Lionel Messi, who pipped him to the Ballon d'Or last year is the greatest player ever to have graced the game.

With City favourites to win the Champions League again and vying for top spot in the Premier League, another incredible treble is still on the cards.

But if that happens, what is there left to win for a young man with prodigious talent who is admired the world over?

Haaland, who recently notched 80 goals in 84 matches reckons he can still get better and improve. That is a terrifying thought and defenders who have to mark him will already be quaking in their boots. He's box office for sure, but just how long we will be seeing him striding the Premier League is open to question.

Hopefully, Haarland will be sticking around a bit longer because he definitely belongs here in the UK.

LOADED VERDICT: Phenomenal talent, an extraordinary player who will continue to break all records. Let's hope he stays in the Premier League and sees out his contract until  2027 and beyond.