Real Madrid plot Haaland swoop as Saudi push for Vinicius intensifies

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a major bid for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to fill the No.9 role earmarked for Kylian Mbappe, should Saudi Arabia succeed in luring Vinicius Junior away from the Bernabéu this summer.

Saudi clubs are ramping up their pursuit of Vinicius, viewing the Brazilian winger as a marquee signing that would rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.

Despite rejecting an astronomical €1 billion offer over five years, Vinicius remains firmly on their radar, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The deal would be unprecedented in both wage structure and transfer fee.

Should the Saudi Pro League succeed, Real Madrid are ready to activate their contingency plan: an aggressive move for Haaland.

The Norwegian goal machine has always been on Florentino Pérez’s radar, and his potential arrival would allow Mbappe to operate in his preferred role on the left, forming a lethal front three with Rodrygo on the right.

However, a deal for Haaland is anything but straightforward. The 24-year-old extended his Manchester City contract through 2034 without including a release clause—effectively shutting the door on any cut-price exit.

Madrid would need to negotiate directly with City, and the asking price would likely soar beyond €200 million, given Haaland’s marketability and impact.