Real Madrid Plans To Replace Karim Benzema With Erling Haaland in 2024: Reports

Real Madrid are already planning for the future and are looking to the Premier
PINC
League to bolster their forward line by bringing in Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.

As reported by TF1’s Telefoot, and echoed by AS, Real Madrid could already be preparing their next move. The Spanish newspaper believe that Los Blancos could activate a release clause in Haaland’s contract in 2024, which would allow for a deal to be done for a fee between €220 million ($241.5 million) to €240 million ($263.4 million).

The speculation adds to a spark ignited by Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimienta in February, when she told AS, “it is difficult to answer this,” when asked about the existence of a release clause. “If I don’t say anything, it will be misunderstood,” she explained. “If I say something, it will also be questioned. So I prefer not to say anything.”

Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022 for a fee of £51 million ($63.4 million) which could rise to £85.5 million ($106.3 million) and has since scored 47 goals in 40 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Benzema’s best behind him

The move would give Real Madrid a future option in place of current leading number nine Karim Benzema. The French international will turn 36 this year and while his contract ends this summer, it is expected to be renewed for a further 12 months.

Beyond that, the future is less clear. Real Madrid remain adamant that they will analyze the decision based upon Benzema’s form in the 2023/24 season before making any calls upon his future beyond then, but the club’s squad management policy has seen others, such as Sergio Ramos, moved on once past their best.

This year has already posed Benzema with new challenges. He has missed 13 games through injury this year, the highest figure since 2015/16, and has completed the full 90 minutes in only 66% of matches he has featured in. Even so, he has scored 26 goals in 35 appearances.

Mbappé not ruled out

AS claim that the deal would not have any influence on a potential deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé. The ongoing soap opera linking the France captain with a move to the Spanish capital continues to develop, though recent signs from the club appear to show a cooling of interest.

Mbappé’s various controversial statements going against the French club’s management have raised red flags for Real Madrid, who believe that his presence and attitude could upset the dressing room. Most recently, Mbappé spoke out on Instagram as he criticized his team’s decision to focus upon him as the star in marketing materials regarding season ticket sales.

There is also increasing concern that Mbappé’s profile would lead to a clash between him and their two young Brazilian wide forwards, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes. Both have been in fine form in recent weeks and Real Madrid continue to harbor high hopes for both of the attackers.