Real Madrid could make a sensational move for Erling Haaland if they sell Vinicius Junior, with uncertainty still surrounding the Brazilian superstar’s new contract with the club.
Reports emerged this week that Vinicius was finally close to signing a new contract with Real after months of negotiations, which would theoretically end speculation linking him with a world record move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
However, despite the club being optimistic of a deal, the player’s entourage have ‘strongly denied’ the claims, according to The Athletic, with Real reportedly yet to present another offer after hearing Vini’s negotiated wage demands.
Real are believed to have offered Vinicius a contract that would bring his wages closer to that of top earner Kylian Mbappe, between €15 million and €20m, however the 24-year-old has reportedly demanded a total package of €30m – the largest contract ever handed out by the club.
The situation has caused more uncertainty surrounding Vini’s future in Madrid and, while the player is relaxed despite his deal ending in 2027, Real are aware that they are losing leverage the longer negotiations drag on.
With Real now open to Vini’s departure, as The Transfers Podcast revealed last month, it is believed that president Florentino Perez’s first choice replacement would be Haaland despite the Norwegian extending his contract with Manchester City earlier this year until 2034.
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The tension in Madrid has caused problems on and off the pitch, with Real having crashed out of the Champions League and sitting four points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga, prompting the almost inevitable exit of manager Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
Real have been greeted with the harsh reality that they may be forced into sacrificing one of their talismans in Mbappe or Vinicius, particularly with both players keen to play on the left wing instead of up front.
Therefore, Perez’s desire for Haaland would make sense, particularly after the slow start to Endrick’s career in Madrid, which has seen the 18-year-old already consider his future.
Endrick has made just one start in La Liga this season and Relevo report that the forward is open to a move away from Real in order to ensure he does not miss out on a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad next year.
