Erling Haaland's future has been cast into doubt after Manchester City were found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules and it appears Real Madrid are waiting in the wings.
An independent commission found City guilty on all 115 charges regarding 'sham' contracts being made to inflate their revenue. The club have appealed against the verdict and a decision is set to be made in February.
Possible punishments include relegation via a points deduction, expulsion and even the removal of their Abu Dhabi United Group ownership. While Haaland has reaffirmed his commitment to City, there is a feeling that he'd be one of many to depart if the club are no longer in the Premier League next season.
Real Madrid Keeping Tabs on Erling Haaland
According to Spanish outlet El Mundo, Madrid are 'closely following Haaland's situation at City.' The Norwegian striker has been on the La Liga giants' radar for many years including when he made the switch to the Etihad back in July 2022.
Haaland only signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January 2025, keeping him tied to the Cityzens until 2034. He's become a hero for the Sky Blues, breaking records while leading the line and he's started this season with eight goals in as many games.
The report claims that Madrid hold an 'excellent relationship' with the 26-year-old's agents and family. They have been in constant and direct communication with his entourage for years.
Haaland scored the opener in City's 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, his side's first game since the guilty verdicts dropped. It would've have seemed implausible for him to leave this time last year but the heavy punishment that is expected for his club has clearly opened the door for Madrid.
Haaland's Father Talked Up Real Madrid Move
Haaland's father Alf Inge has previously spoken about the possibility of his son joining Madrid and hinted at a desire to one day ply his trade in Spain. The former Borussia Dortmund frontman has also been linked with Barcelona since he exploded into one of the world's most potent goalscorers.
Speaking back in July, he told DAZN (via Cadena SER): "Right now he's very happy at Manchester City. He has a long contract, but everyone wants to play for Real Madrid and compete in the Champions League, so we'll see,"
Alf Inge Haaland added: ""Maybe it will happen someday... Maybe. There are always opportunities in football. There are great clubs in Spain and you never know, but right now he's happy in England."
If Haaland were to head to the Estadio Bernabeu he'd be reunited with Bernardo Silva who joined Los Blancos as a free agent in the summer. He'd also have the chance to lock horns with former teammate Rodri whom Barca signed from City for around £65 million.
