Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is considering a major signing in the upcoming summer transfer window to restore balance to the squad and compete for all titles. According to Sky Sports Germany, he has settled on Manchester City star Erling Haaland as his preferred target.
It’s clear that Real Madrid needs a new world-class striker. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s prolific goal-scoring record, the Frenchman prefers playing on the wing. Gonzalo Garcia is also a promising striker, but he can’t be relied upon consistently in big matches. The need is now urgent for a goal machine, a superstar who can make a significant impact, not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room.
Perez wants to create a “new Galacticos” by bringing together the world’s elite players, just as he did at the beginning of the millennium, when he acquired Cristiano Ronaldo to join a star-studded squad in 2009, ushering in an era of numerous achievements and titles. All of this applies to Haaland.
Haaland, the new savior in Perez’s vision
According to Sky Sports, Perez sees Haaland as Real Madrid’s “new savior,” the signing that can put Los Blancos back on track after two erratic seasons. Criticism of the Madrid president has intensified, with many holding him responsible for recent results.
The Norwegian international has proven his abilities in the English Premier League, demonstrating on every occasion that he is a true “goal machine.” Perez’s current plan is to pair him with Kylian Mbappe on the same team. This would make Real Madrid’s attack unstoppable, regardless of the strength of opposing defenses, and would also create balance in the dressing room with more than one beloved star.
Haaland’s Stance on a Move to Real Madrid
Erling Haaland welcomes a move to Real Madrid, considering playing for the Spanish giants his “biggest dream.” However, the current disagreement revolves around when this dream can become a reality, especially since the 25-year-old’s contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2034.
Discussions have already begun between Real Madrid’s management and Haaland’s agent, Rafaella Pimenta, who has close ties to Florentino Pérez’s administration. This makes the deal feasible, even if it currently appears highly complex, particularly from an economic standpoint.
🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid want Erling Haaland, as early as THIS summer.
Florentino Pérez dreams of the player.
Haaland also sees Real Madrid as his ULTIMATE GOAL. @Plettigoal @berger_pj @kerry_hau pic.twitter.com/t9AXdscqcl
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 15, 2026
Haaland’s contract with Manchester City does not include a release clause for another two years. Therefore, Real Madrid would have to enter into direct negotiations with the English club. This presents a dilemma: with Pep Guardiola’s expected departure at the end of the current season, letting Haaland go would be a further blow, threatening the entire sporting project at the Etihad Stadium.
Vinicius Junior: Haaland’s Dream Come True
The most important condition for Haaland’s transfer to Real Madrid is the departure of Vinicius Junior. The Royal Club understands the impossibility of having Vinicius, Mbappe, and Haaland on the same team (for sporting reasons such as conflicting positions, and economic reasons related to salaries). If the management had to choose between the Brazilian and the Frenchman, they would prefer to keep Mbappe, who doesn’t create problems. Economically, sportingly, and even commercially, it would be better to have him on the same team as Haaland.
Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2027, and renewal negotiations between him and the club are currently frozen due to several disagreements, most notably regarding salary. Perez wants to get rid of the Brazilian next summer for a large sum, rather than keep him for another year and then let him leave for free, which would be a stain on the record of the most successful Real Madrid president of all time.
Vinicius is currently refusing to join the Saudi League and wants to stay in Europe. The English Premier League is his likely destination, either in the summer of 2026 or the following year, following reports of interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Manchester City. If Real Madrid succeeds in selling the player next June, it will allow them to finance the Haaland deal and, on the other hand, return Mbappe to his preferred position as a left winger, thus building a more cohesive attack than they have shown in the last two years.
Real Madrid’s priorities in the summer of 2026
In addition to signing Haaland as a “rescue deal” both in terms of fan support and sporting ambition, Real Madrid has another plan in the upcoming summer transfer window: signing a new center-back and finding a practical solution to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield, whether by signing one or more players for that position.
There are many names being considered, and as is typical for Real Madrid, the club prefers to sign young players they can build on for the future. Adam Wharton and Kate Smith remain at the top of Los Blancos’ list of midfield targets for next summer, with the possibility of either Eduardo Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni leaving.
However, the situation is more complicated in central defense. David Alaba will leave, and Antonio Rüdiger is likely to do so as well. Real Madrid has yet to decide who they will try to sign to fill the defensive gap after Dayot Upamecano, Marc Guehi, and Ibrahima Konaté fell out of favor. The most likely scenario now is signing a young player like Dean Hoesen, rather than a center-back who has already proven himself in Europe’s top five leagues.
