Manchester City are set to be presented with the opportunity to sign “the best player in the world” in a swap deal for Erling Haaland, according to a report.
Haaland attracting interest after fantastic performance at Wolves
Haaland got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League season, with the Norwegian opening his account by scoring a brace in the 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, and Pep Guardiola believes the striker may now be back to his best.
The Man City boss claimed the 25 year-old is “better than ever”, before also adding: “I see Erling’s rhythm and speed, and how it helps us. It’s quite similar to his first season here. We need him.”
As such, Guardiola will undoubtedly be determined to keep hold of Haaland, and City are in a very strong negotiating position, given that the centre-forward signed an extraordinary nine-and-a-half-year contract back in January.
However, there have now been suggestions that one of Europe’s top clubs are lining up a move for the Norway international, namely Real Madrid…
Indeed, according to a report from Spain, the Madrid board are now preparing an audacious move for Haaland, with the Spanish club looking to orchestrate a swap deal, which would see Vinicius Junior sent in the opposite direction.
Given that Vinicius’ attacking numbers aren’t as impressive as they once were, Madrid are willing to send the Brazilian to City as part of a swap deal, and they believe Kylian Mbappe and Haaland combining forces could help them dominate European football for a decade.
However, while the 25-year-old would fit into Guardiola’s system, City have no desire to let their star striker leave, and given that he remains contracted until 2034, they will be under no pressure to sanction a departure unless he agitates for a move.
Haaland must remain at the Etihad
The Brazil international is one of football’s most globally renowned stars, famously narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri, and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez certainly has no doubts about his ability.
However, there isn’t a player in the world City should consider swapping Haaland for, given the striker’s remarkable goal record since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Season
League appearances
Goals
2022-23
35
36
2023-24
31
27
2024-25
31
22
As such, should Real Madrid want to cash-in on Vinicius, they may be better off selling him to Saudi Arabia, given that Al-Ahli were well-known to be preparing a staggering £303m offer earlier this year.