Manchester United face another threat as Erling Haaland representatives meet Real Madrid
Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Norwegian wonderkid Erling Haaland and have tried to sign him multiple times in the past.
The 20-year-old has developed into one of the finest young players in the sport and is a hot property going into the summer window. With the Red Devils seeking a striker, there are few players who can offer the club what Haaland has.
Eyebrows were raised yesterday when the player’s agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge Haaland landed in Barcelona to talk with Joan Laporta. It initially looked as if the Catalans had managed to steal a march for the player.
However, as reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano pointed out on Twitter, a move to the Nou Camp is far from a done deal. In fact, both Raiola and Alf-Inge even talked with Real Madrid officials regarding a potential switch to the Bernabeu.
The player’s entourage has taken the long approach where they talk to the top five clubs interested in him before making his decision. Each of these clubs will have the opportunity to present their offer and also give insights into their project for the coming seasons.
Raiola had earlier pointed out that only 10 clubs can afford his client. Given the current financial climate and Borussia Dortmund’s massive €150m asking price, that may very well be the case.
Included or excluded?
Now that the number of clubs has been whittled down to five, it remains to be seen if Manchester United are amongst them.
Having managed Haaland at Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have a personal line of communication with the player. The same cannot be said of Raiola, who has enjoyed a frosty relationship with the Red Devils.
A decision is yet to be made by Haaland’s representatives. United could yet make a convincing punt to land him.
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With the Spanish giants done, it should be interesting to see where Raiola lands next. This might very well turn into the transfer saga of the summer.