Rumours of Erling Haaland joining Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid have seen a coach in Spain joke that “the goalkeeper could be Antonio Rudiger”.
♦ World Cup winner has joined Blancos
♦ Interest retained in Norwegian striker
♦ Liga giants may not require a keeper
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blancos, fresh from savouring La Liga and Champions League title glory in 2023-24, have added another Galactico to their ranks in the form of World Cup winner Mbappe. The France international has completed his move to Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real also have a deal in place for Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, who will be joining fellow countrymen Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the Spanish capital. While Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is loaded with attacking talent, there has been talk of a move being made for prolific Norwegian striker Haaland at some stage.
WHAT GARRIDO SAID
He is said to have exit clauses in his contract at Manchester City, while Pep Guardiola could be walking away from the Etihad Stadium in 2025. If Real were to bring him in as well, then Fran Garrido has suggested that they would not need to bother with a specialist No.1. He has told El Chiringuito: “If Haaland comes to Madrid, the goalkeeper could be Rudiger!”
WHAT NEXT?
Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has previously stared that Real Madrid are a “dream” destination for any player – which suggests that her client would be open to the idea of linking up with Mbappe and Vinicius in a future transfer window.