How can you say no to Real Madrid? You can’t, says Haaland. The father of the goalscorer explains why he chose the Citizens instead of Real

Erling Haaland is all the rage at the moment. He has taken the Premier League by storm, netting ten goals in his first five games, including two hat-tricks. Every club in the world wanted him in the summer, so why did the Norwegian marksman eventually choose Manchester City?

There was already a lot of interest in Haaland when he transferred from Salzburg in the winter of 2020. Back then, agent Mino Raiola placed him at Dortmund, where he was guaranteed room for growth. And the move worked out perfectly.

In July 2022, Haaland was entering the market as a freshly 22-year-old ready-made player who had netted a staggering 86 goals in 89 games for BVB. And with a great price tag, thanks to a buy-out clause, it was enough to pay “just” 60 million euros. A bargain price for a player of his class.

Haaland was wanted by every club in the world and he had his pick of the litter. In the end, the choice was narrowed down to Real Madrid, where Haaland reportedly wanted to go, and Manchester City. Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling’s father and former footballer, explains why Citizens were chosen in a new upcoming documentary from Viaplay.

“We had a criterion in mind. Who needs a top striker? Manchester City is 10 out of 10, the perfect choice. Whereas Real Madrid were only 5 or 6, because of the form Benzema is in. We also asked if Mbappé would come,” explains Haaland’s father.

When they summed everything up, Real Madrid had a Benzema playing in the form of his life at the top of the attack, plus the strong possibility of Mbappé coming. At Manchester City, however, when Gabriel Jesus left for Arsenal, there was no one at the top. Thus, the Citizens were the obvious choice for Nora.

But at the same time, the journalist posted an interesting question. ” How can you say no to a club as legendary as Real Madrid?” asked Haaland. The Norwegian youngster hesitated for a moment and replied with a smile on his face. Actually, you can’t,” Haaland replied a little mysteriously.

There was a glimmer of hope for Real Madrid fans. Haaland has a €150 million buyout clause in his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which will be activated in 2024. And guess what year Benzema’s contract ends… Yes, June 2024.

Source: Viaplay football, Marca