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Who can fill Vinicius’s boots – Haaland, maybe?
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 12.10.25. | 09:58
There’s increasing talk that the royal club has shown interest in the brilliant Norwegian – how true that is, we’ll see
"Do you know a club that isn't thinking about Erling Haaland? I understand that Barcelona dreams of him, just like everyone else. If he wasn't with us, Manchester City would be dreaming of him too. I have no idea what will happen. But I do know that he has a long-term contract here and that things are going well for him."
Pep Guardiola recently made his stance on superstar Haaland very clear, effectively shutting down the idea of a move to Barcelona.
💙🇳🇴 Pep Guardiola: “Haaland scored 50 goals in 49 games… Erling, Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, they are on another planet”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 19, 2025
“It’s not easy for Erling always with many defenders around him but he’s fantastic. He is also improving this season”. pic.twitter.com/8DEUlMo4sM
For years, it’s been no secret that the Catalan giants covet the Norwegian striker. Yet Barca’s financial troubles make a transfer of this magnitude unlikely for the time being. Meanwhile, another top European club seems to be circling the former Borussia Dortmund forward. According to TalkSport, Real Madrid — Barcelona’s eternal rival — has reportedly reached out about Haaland.
The potential departure of Vinícius Junior could explain Madrid’s interest. The club wants to be ready if their star winger leaves, and Haaland is seen as the ideal replacement, sources suggest. Negotiations between Vinicius and Real Madrid for an early contract extension — set to expire in 2027 — have been ongoing for months but remain unresolved.
The Brazilian reportedly wants a base salary of 25 million euros, comparable to Kylian Mbappe, while Madrid has offered 'just' 22 million euros. With no middle ground, the club may let Vinicius leave, though not on a free transfer.
🚨 Real Madrid are targeting Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as their dream replacement for Vinícius Júnior should the Brazil international decide to NOT renew his contract.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 11, 2025
The Real Madrid hierarchy's vision is for Erling Haaland to partner Kylian Mbappé in attack,… pic.twitter.com/3skUtH32ag
Could Haaland fill Vinicius’s shoes at Real Madrid?
The Norwegian striker is contracted with Manchester City until 2034 (!) and is thriving in the Premier League. City has little incentive to sell, and Haaland himself seems content. The question is whether Real Madrid could convince both the player and his club to reconsider.
