Real Madrid is once again making headlines with a jaw-dropping transfer rumor that has sent shockwaves across the football world. President Florentino Pérez has reportedly given the green light to a bold suggestion from midfield sensation Arda Güler — to bring Erling Haaland to the Santiago Bernabéu as a potential replacement for Vinicius Jr. With Manchester City reportedly open to discussions if the €350 million price tag is met, the footballing universe is watching closely.
Arda Güler, just 20 years old, has quickly become one of Real Madrid’s most promising talents. Trusted by head coach Xabi Alonso, the Turkish midfielder has not only impressed with his technical skills and creativity but has also displayed a deep understanding of the club’s long-term strategy. Güler’s proposal to sign Haaland demonstrates his ambition and growing influence within the squad. It’s a bold move, but one that reflects his vision of creating an unstoppable attacking unit alongside Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius Jr.’s future, meanwhile, has grown increasingly uncertain. Despite having a contract that runs until 2027, the Brazilian winger is reportedly asking for a salary between €20 to €30 million annually — a figure that would eclipse Mbappé’s current €15 million wage. This has led to friction behind the scenes, as Real Madrid is reluctant to break their wage structure, even for a player as impactful as Vinicius.
To complicate matters further, lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs have emerged. These suitors are reportedly willing to pay up to €350 million in transfer fees and offer Vinicius a staggering €1 billion contract over five years. For Real Madrid, this means potentially losing the player now for an enormous profit — or risking a discounted sale later, or worse, a free transfer if no agreement is reached by 2026 or 2027.
Against this backdrop, the idea of replacing Vinicius with Erling Haaland begins to take shape. Haaland has proven himself as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. Since joining Manchester City in 2022, the Norwegian has racked up an astounding 111 goals in 126 appearances, propelling City to back-to-back Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in 2023. Aged just 24, Haaland’s best years are ahead of him, making him a dream signing for Pérez.
But luring Haaland away from Manchester City won’t be easy. The English club recently extended his contract until 2034, removing previous release clauses that ranged between €150 and €200 million. This means any negotiation must start from scratch, and only an astronomical offer — reportedly €350 million — could turn City’s head. Even then, Pep Guardiola’s future could play a role in Haaland’s decision. The Norwegian is known to admire the Spanish tactician, and with Guardiola’s contract set to expire in 2026, uncertainty might just open a window of opportunity.
What makes this development even more significant is that Pérez has chased Haaland before. In 2022, Real Madrid was on the brink of signing him but chose to prioritize Kylian Mbappé instead. Now, three years later, the stars may finally be aligning. With Güler pushing internally and Pérez prepared to spend big, the pursuit of Haaland appears to be back on track — only this time, Madrid might not miss.
A Haaland-Mbappé-Bellingham trio would arguably be the most frightening attacking lineup in football today. Such a combination would not only ensure Real Madrid remains a dominant force in La Liga but also restore their supremacy in Europe. It would send a message to rivals like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City that the Galácticos era is far from over — it’s being reborn.
The possible departure of Vinicius Jr. will undoubtedly spark emotional reactions among fans. His dazzling dribbles, pace, and crucial goals have endeared him to the Madrid faithful. Yet, football is also a game of evolution, and if the club sees Haaland as the future cornerstone, difficult decisions may have to be made.
As the 2025 summer transfer window draws near, all eyes will be on Pérez and Real Madrid’s next steps. Will they meet City’s €350 million demand? Will Vinicius accept a new contract or head for Saudi Arabia? Will Haaland be open to wearing the white jersey of Madrid at last? These questions remain unanswered — but one thing is clear: Real Madrid is gearing up for something massive.
This isn’t just a transfer story. It’s a potential power shift. A revolution. A Galáctico revival. And if Pérez pulls it off, it may go down as one of the most iconic moves in football history.