In the pulsating world of football, where transfer speculation swirls as fiercely as the action on the pitch, Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific Norwegian striker, remains a tantalizing target for Real Madrid. As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup unfolds in the United States, Haaland’s subdued start—coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca—has only amplified the buzz about his future. Amidst this frenzy, his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, a former Manchester City player himself, has stepped into the spotlight, addressing the persistent rumors linking his son to the Spanish giants. Speaking to reporters in Atlanta, Alf-Inge delivered a resolute message: “My son is very happy at Manchester City. Very happy.”
The 24-year-old Haaland, whose 10-year contract signed with City earlier this year ties him to the Etihad until 2034, has been the subject of relentless speculation. Real Madrid, long admirers of the striker who has scored 112 goals in 124 Premier League appearances, see him as a future ‘Galactico’ to bolster their attack alongside Kylian Mbappé. Barcelona, too, have entered the fray, with president Joan Laporta boldly claiming, “Nothing is impossible,” despite their financial constraints. Yet, Alf-Inge’s comments in the U.S., where Haaland is focused on leading City’s charge for Club World Cup glory, suggest the striker’s immediate priorities lie elsewhere. “He’s happy. Now he’s focused and with his sights set on the Club World Cup,” Alf-Inge told journalists, emphasizing his son’s commitment to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Haaland’s bench role against Wydad, a strategic decision by Guardiola to ease him into the tournament, sparked debate among fans, with one tweeting, “Haaland benched? Real Madrid rumours heating up!” However, Alf-Inge clarified that the move was planned to manage his son’s minutes after a grueling season. “I think they are the favorites to win this tournament,” he said of City, predicting “some good matches” ahead as they face Al Ain in their second group-stage clash. This confidence reflects Haaland’s own focus, with the striker reportedly unfazed by the transfer noise, intent on adding another trophy to his cabinet after last season’s treble triumph.
The allure of Real Madrid persists, though. Back in 2022, Alf-Inge revealed in a documentary that City was their top choice when Haaland left Borussia Dortmund, with Real Madrid ranking third behind Bayern Munich due to Karim Benzema’s presence and Madrid’s pursuit of Mbappé. “City is the best team,” he said then, citing their need for a No. 9 as a perfect fit. Now, with Benzema gone and Mbappé struggling with stomach issues, Madrid’s interest has intensified, though Alf-Inge’s latest remarks reaffirm Haaland’s contentment at City. “He’s very happy,” he reiterated, a sentiment that echoes Haaland’s own words from earlier this year: “I’m loving life at City.”
Despite City’s reinforcements—new signings like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders costing €140 million—Haaland remains their offensive linchpin. His 2024/25 season, though marred by a dip in form with only five goals in 12 Premier League games, still showcases his lethal edge. Barcelona’s financial woes make their interest a long shot, while Madrid’s focus on other targets, like Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, suggests a Haaland move isn’t imminent. “The tie is definitely on,” a Madrid insider noted, referencing their ongoing striker search, but City’s dominance and Haaland’s contract make any transfer a complex proposition.
As Haaland prepares to lead City against Al Ain, his father’s words have calmed the storm—for now. Fans remain divided, with one posting, “Haaland to Madrid would be unreal, but he’s City’s king!” The Club World Cup offers Haaland a chance to silence doubters and reaffirm his loyalty, but with Real Madrid lurking, the saga of football’s most coveted striker is far from over.
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