Haaland Staying Put at City — But Madrid Door Not Quite Shut, Says Romano

Erling Haaland will not be swapping the Etihad for the Bernabéu this summer, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano — but the Norwegian marksman hasn't completely extinguished the possibility of joining Real Madrid further down the line.

The striker remains contracted to Manchester City through 2034 and is very much settled under new boss Enzo Maresca. Romano was emphatic on his YouTube channel: "Haaland to Real Madrid this summer – no." The caveat, however, is telling: "But Haaland to Real Madrid one day, who knows?"

Real Madrid have long harboured ambitions of landing the prolific frontman, particularly since appointing Jose Mourinho as manager. Haaland's father, Alf-Inge — himself a former City and Leeds player — added fuel to speculation on Sunday when speaking to DAZN ES ahead of Norway's World Cup last-16 clash with Brazil. The 53-year-old acknowledged his son's contentment at City and his lengthy contract, but didn't rule out a future switch. "Anyone would want to play for Madrid," he said. "You never know what can happen in football."

That comment came just before Haaland himself produced a masterclass, netting both goals in Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil, setting up a quarter-final meeting with England.

Romano's assessment suggests the player isn't actively seeking an exit, but neither is he dismissing the possibility of Madrid down the road. The feeling between Haaland and City remains "super positive," according to the transfer guru, with the striker deemed crucial to the club's project. For now, Mourinho and Real Madrid will have to make do with their already glittering attacking arsenal of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior.