Galacticos 2.0 on the Agenda as Real Madrid Target Erling Haaland This Summer

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly preparing a summer move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland
• Haaland, aged 25, has scored 150 goals in 175 appearances for City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022
• The Norwegian has netted 26 goals in 29 matches this season ahead of City’s match at Manchester United on Saturday afternoon

Madrid’s Pursuit of Europe’s Top Striker

Real Madrid are reportedly devising a summer transfer plan in pursuit of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, despite the Norwegian still having eight-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium. Club president Florentino Perez is said to be intent on securing what has been described as a “dream” signing, three-and-a-half years after Real Madrid missed out on the prolific striker.

🚨🇳🇴 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Real Madrid are looking to SIGN Erling Haaland this summer. Fiorentino Perez has CONTACTED his agent and considers him the “Saviour”.

[@Plettigoal, @berger_pj] pic.twitter.com/BK4zMHPG2o

— MatchdayHQ (@TheMatchdayHQ) January 15, 2026

Haaland’s Impact at Manchester City

Since opting for City over Real Madrid and the Premier League over La Liga in 2022, Erling Haaland has rapidly established himself as the leading forward in European football. At just 25 years of age, he has registered 150 goals in 175 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side. During his tenure, he has collected the Premier League title twice, celebrated Champions League, Super Cup, FA Cup, and Community Shield victories, and now stands on the verge of yet more silverware with City following their 2-0 semi-final first leg victory over Newcastle on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup.

Transfer Obstacles and Strategic Considerations

Despite Haaland’s contract at City being valid until 2034 and his estimated value exceeding £400 million, reports from Sky Sports suggest that Perez remains in communication with Haaland’s representatives, including agent Rafaela Pimenta. However, Real Madrid’s ambitions may be tempered by the need to offload Vinicius Jr to enable a feasible approach for Haaland, with the Brazilian winger attracting interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool.

Haaland’s Affinity with Spain and Real Madrid Dream

While speculation continues, Haaland is reportedly an admirer of Spain and maintains an ambition to represent Real Madrid, viewed globally as one of the most prestigious clubs in football. The forward’s future, however, remains closely linked to City’s project and his positive relationship with the club hierarchy.

Speaking on his future during an appearance on the Rest is Football last month, Haaland said: “I also signed it because of conversations that I’ve had with the [club’s] bosses and also the plan in the next years, and that was something I wanted to be a part of.

“And yeah, I’m calm, I’m focused, and I’m really happy here, so it’s a really good place to be for development and also in the end, England, it’s a football country, and I think it’s the best place to play football.”

Season Performance and Upcoming Fixtures

To date this season, Haaland has continued his formidable goalscoring form, recording 26 goals in 29 games. He will aim to extend his impressive tally when City make the short trip to Old Trafford to face rivals Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.