Real Madrid 'plot to sign Haaland from Man City within two years'

Real Madrid ‘plot to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City within two years by activating his £128m release clause’ just days after the striker completed his move to the Premier League champions

• Erling Haaland completed a £128million move to Manchester City this week
• But the striker remains a long term target for European champions Real Madrid
• The Spanish side had hoped to eventually pair him up alongside Kylian Mbappe
• But they are willing to be patient in their pursuit given Karim Benzema’s form 

Real Madrid are reportedly already working on attempting to sign Erling Haaland, just days after he completed his switch to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund.

The Norway international is one of the summer’s big signings after his excellent goalscoring exploits in the Bundesliga and the Champions League enabled him to move to the Etihad for just £51million this week.

Haaland has become one of the world’s most sought after strikers and as part of the deal is thought to have included a £128million release clause (€150m) into his contract.

Real Madrid are already plotting to sign Erling Haaland days after he joined Manchester City

According to AS, this is perfectly suited to Real Madrid who are looking for a long term replacement for Karim Benzema. 

The report adds that Madrid’s interest is not a direct reaction to being given a surprise snub by Kylian Mbappe who elected to stay with Paris Saint-Germain after being tracked by the Spanish champions over a long period.

Instead, the plan was for Mbappe to join this summer, before landing Haaland in 2023 – although the new City hitman had already joined Pep Guardiola’s side before Mbappe decided to stay at the Parc des Princes.

Real Madrid saw a long running pursuit of Kylian Mbappe come to a failure this summer

Madrid though are thought to be patient in their pursuit of Haaland due to the impressive late career form of Karim Benzema.

The 34-year-old enjoyed his best ever season at the Bernabeu in his 13 years at the club after firing in 44 goals in just 46 games to help them win the Spanish league title as well as the Champions League.

Madrid’s plans were to sign Mbappe and Haaland to replace the France star in expectation of a natural decline in performance, but his unexpected star campaign, which has put him in contention to win the Ballon d’Or this year, has eased the urgency of a hunt for a new striker.

Karim Benzema’s excellent form means Madrid are willing to be patient in their Haaland chase

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez backed this stance by insisting no new arrival would be able to displace Benzema if he continues to show the form he has done over the previous 12 months. 

‘If someone came, it would be in case Benzema gets lethargic, but not to be a starter,’ Perez recently insisted.

Madrid are also staying patient due to their minor concern over Haaland’s injury record.

The 21-year-old has already been slightly prone to spending time on the sidelines, with hip and muscle problems keeping him out for around 16 of Dortmund’s games across last season.

Madrid want to find out if this is a genetic trait, or if it is just a result of bad luck. 

Haaland’s injuries last term for Borussia Dortmund are also a minor concern for Madrid

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