Sky Germany reported that Haaland has asked his agent Rafaela Pimienta to explore the possibility of a move to the Bernabéu. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, speaking on La Sexta, was uncharacteristically coy when the subject was raised directly.
"Is Haaland impossible to sign? I don't comment on that," he said, before invoking the club's history of GalĂĄctico acquisitions. "I went to (Karim) Benzema's house to bring him in. If I see a good one, I go for him."
Haaland signed a contract extension in January 2025 that ties him to City until 2034. He is on course to claim his third Golden Boot in four seasons, with 38 goals across all competitions this term. Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for âŹ60 million, he has scored 162 goals in 198 appearances.
None of that has deterred Madrid. Sources say Haaland was already in a downbeat mood before Guardiola's exit became public, with the Norwegian unsettled by City's failure to mount a meaningful Premier League title challenge. Arsenal won the league comfortably in the end.
The path to a deal is not straightforward. City have already indicated they would demand around âŹ200 million to part with Haaland, and his salary requirements would represent a significant commitment even for Real Madrid. Any move would also depend on the futures of Kylian MbappĂ© and Vinicius JĂșnior, both of whom have been linked with exits from the Spanish capital this summer.
Incoming Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is said to be fully behind the idea of signing Haaland. Mourinho's arrival, combined with Guardiola's departure from the Etihad, has given the story renewed momentum on both sides.
Manchester City will resist. But Madrid have opened the conversation.