Real Madrid Eyes Erling Haaland as Potential Vinicius Jr. Replacement Amid Contract Standoff

Real Madrid Eyes Erling Haaland as Potential Vinicius Jr. Replacement Amid Contract Standoff

MADRID, Spain - July 29, 2025 - Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly eyeing Manchester City's 25-year-old Premier League star Erling Haaland as a dream replacement for Vinicius Jr., should the Brazilian forward decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu. Reports indicate that contract negotiations between Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. have stalled, opening the door for a potential blockbuster transfer that could reshape Real Madrid's attacking line.

Vinicius Jr.'s current contract runs until 2027, but recent discussions about an extension have hit a snag. The Brazilian is reportedly demanding a salary package comparable to that of Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined Real Madrid, which would make him the club's highest-paid player. Real Madrid, however, is said to be reluctant to disrupt their wage structure and is hoping to negotiate a more agreeable financial arrangement with Vinicius upon his return from holiday.

Amid this uncertainty, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a serious suitor for Vinicius. Reports suggest that Saudi clubs are prepared to offer an astronomical sum, potentially as high as €1 billion per season in salary for the player and a transfer fee of €350 million to Real Madrid. While no formal offer has been made, the sheer scale of these figures has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid's leadership.

Should Vinicius Jr. depart, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly identified Erling Haaland as the prime target to fill the void. Perez's long-standing ambition to pair Haaland with Mbappé in a formidable attacking duo has been widely reported. The Norwegian striker, who turned 25 earlier this month, has been prolific for Manchester City, scoring 124 goals in 146 appearances.

While Haaland recently signed a long-term deal with Manchester City until 2034, there have been whispers of an exit clause that could become active later in his contract. Real Madrid reportedly believes that a deal could be negotiated sooner, especially if the player expresses a desire to move to La Liga. However, Manchester City is expected to put up strong resistance to any offers for their star striker, who is central to their long-term vision.

The situation surrounding Vinicius Jr.'s contract and the potential pursuit of Erling Haaland highlights Real Madrid's proactive approach to managing its squad and securing top talent. While the club's preference remains to extend Vinicius's stay, they appear to be preparing for all eventualities, with the prospect of a Mbappé-Haaland partnership being a tantalizing dream for Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid faithful.