Madrid board torn between Mbappe and Haaland, keen on Bayern’s Davies

 Real Madrid wants to make a statement signing next year after losing out on Karim Benzema for free this season.

While they did not substitute the legendary Frenchman with another striker, they brought in Jude Bellingham, who, along with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, replaced him in aggregate.

The trio have, so far, done an excellent job at mirroring Benzema’s output, with 19 goals between them in the league itself, they need a star striker in the side to maintain the balance and diversity of the source of goal contributions.

As such, it is no surprise that Kylian Mbappe’s name has once again come up on their radar. However, he is joined by his biggest competition of this generation, Erling Haaland, who is also reportedly a subject of interest from Madrid.

As per a report by SPORT, Madrid’s board are divided between the two options ahead of the summer transfer window. While Mbappe has been the prime contender as their preferred signing, the name of Haaland is slowly gaining suitors.

After snubbing them for around five years in a row, it is only understandable that Madrid are not too keen about signing Mbappe, now, even if he will be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

And even if Madrid were to keep ego aside, there are problems with Mbappe’s tactical fit at the club. His best position clashes with Vinicius Jr’s, who has done a great job so far of being the poster boy for them, alongside Benzema in the past, and Bellingham, now.

Haaland has a fair few voices backing his signing at the Santiago Bernabeu, at this point. However, Madrid are concerned with his transfer fee, and think that Manchester City could go and ask for a sum of around €200 million, at least.

That said, Haaland is a much better tactical fit for Los Blancos, who only currently have Joselu as their striker. The Spaniard has done a fairly decent job so far this season, but is, by no mean, the ‘killer’ Madrid are looking for.

With Haaland in the side, Real Madrid could continue to deploy all of Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo in the starting lineup.

Amidst all this, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation.

“The latest big name being linked with Real Madrid is Erling Haaland, with the Spanish press claiming he’s their top target now after they decided to stop pursuing Kylian Mbappe.

“However, I’m not aware of anything about that at this point – I don’t think it’s even worth mentioning if it’s realistic or not at this point because there’s nothing to be decided now for Haaland or Mbappe.

“Despite some media noise, my honest understanding is that it’s completely quiet on both sides.”

Meanwhile, Madrid wants to strengthen at left-back with the signing of Canadian international Alphonso Davies, and Los Blancos are confident of reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for a transfer in the summer of 2024.

As this newspaper has reported, talks with his agent, Nedal Huoseh, have been intensifying in recent weeks. Both sides are keen to reach an agreement for Davies, with the versatile player also said to be interested in a move to the Spanish capital.

Bayern are, however, reluctant to give up on their player. Bayern president Herbert Hainer is confident of keeping the full-back. “Davies is our player. He is with us and has a contract until June 2025. He is one of the best full-backs in the world, and of course, we want him to stay. I hope he wants to stay too,” he said at an event.