Erling Haaland sets to take Mbappe’s space at Real Madrid

Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland could be set to take Kylian Mbappe’s space at Real Madrid. It is believed that the La Liga giants will make another move for Mbappe in January. However, Haaland is understood to be Los Blancos alternative if Mbappe’s move is unsuccessful.

Mbappe’s anticipated move to Madrid in the past once suffered a blow. But the La Liga giants still remain very keen to bring the forward to Santiago Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Though there is a possibility that he could sign a 12 month extension with the club. Mbappe will be free to negotiate with other clubs from 1 January if he fails to extend his PSG’s stay this year.

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According to Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid will set a January 15 deadline for Mbappe as they plan to make a January move for him. He is expected to make up his mind on whether to remain at PSG for another year or relocate to Santiago Bernabeu.

The report claims Madrid will turn their attention to Haaland if Mbappe fails to figure his position come January 15, 2024

And there is a growing belief in the Spanish capital that Haaland would be keen to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham.

Interestingly, Haaland has a house in Spain and visits regularly. This has given Real Madrid confidence that they can tempt him away from the Etihad.

The move for Haaland will not come easy as City will not want to lose their prized asset. Again, the release clause in the striker’s contract has also been removed.

The Athletic reported earlier this year that a clause allowed him to leave for £150m in the summer of 2024 but that is no longer the case.

The clause was linked with manager Pep Guardiola’s position at the club and when the Spaniard signed a two-year extension in November 2022, Haaland’s release clause got cancelled.

Whether another release clause kicks in later in the Norwegian’s contract is unclear.