Erling Haaland of Norway and Manchester City
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Manchester City have found themselves in serious trouble after being found guilty on almost all of the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The verdict has thrown the futures of several City stars into uncertainty, with Erling Haaland’s situation attracting particular attention.
And clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona are watching developments closely.
Haaland stays silent
Vinicius Jr. and Erling Haaland
Can Real Madrid sign Haaland? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Diario SPORT, Haaland has chosen to isolate himself and avoid the media in the wake of the City saga.
The Norwegian cancelled his scheduled press conference with the national team, as he does not want to talk about City or his future.
Norway confirmed he would not speak during the international break, something highly unusual for a player who has never previously shied away from the media.
Both Haaland and the national team appear keen to shield the striker from a situation that could escalate into a genuine crisis with his club.
Notably, the forward had addressed the charges just weeks earlier, telling Time magazine he believed City’s bosses and stressing that he was not personally involved.
A potential opportunity for Real Madrid?
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway
Haaland has been quiet about Man City’s debacle. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The uncertainty surrounding City has inevitably sparked speculation over Haaland’s future, and Real Madrid have long been admirers.
Haaland renewed his contract until 2034 in one of the biggest deals in Premier League history, and crucially, that contract contains no exit clause, even in the event of a sporting sanction such as relegation or a European ban.
However, the player’s determination could change should City suffer significant sporting damage from any punishment.
The Norwegian has always made clear his desire to play in Spain at some point in his career, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona having shown interest in the past.
Any move, though, would be complicated. Without a release clause, City would demand an exorbitant fee, likely upwards of €100 million.
For Real Madrid, the reality is that their attack is already stacked, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line, Vinicius Jr recently renewed and Yan Diomande signed for a club-record fee.
Nonetheless, a talent like Haaland is one no elite club would ignore, and Los Blancos are monitoring the situation with keen interest.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Camavinga has yet to establish himself at Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane, France manager
Confidence from Zidane should aid Camavinga. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)