ERLING HAALAND’S representatives are reportedly convinced he must join Real Madrid.
The Manchester City striker has previously been linked with a blockbuster move to the Spanish giants.
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However, his entourage now believe the time has come to head to the Bernabeu – and it is all thanks to Real’s long-term foe Lionel Messi.
AS report that Haaland’s representatives believe he must “go to a club like Madrid” to receive the focus and recognition he deserves.
Their stance comes after the 23-year-old was pipped to Fifa’s The Best award by Messi earlier this month, the report adds.
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The pair finished level on 48 points from the award’s voting, with the Argentine wizard crowned the winner due to more first place votes from national team captains.
He also beat Haaland to the Ballon d’Or back in October, where the Norwegian goal machine was instead awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy as the highest-scoring player in the 2022/23 season.
Haaland scored 52 times in his debut campaign with City as the club won an historic Treble.
His personal accolades include Uefa’s Player of the Year award, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the European Golden Shoe.
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However, his failure to win either The Best award or Ballon d’Or could now see Real Madrid swoop.
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The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the Norway forward.
Reports in Spain earlier this month claimed Real were hoping to enlist Jude Bellingham to help bring Haaland to the club.
The duo played together at Borussia Dortmund and would reunite if Haaland moved to the Bernabeu.
His City deal currently runs until the summer of 2027, with the prolific striker remaining on form this season.
Despite missing 12 matches through injury before his return in the win over Burnley on Wednesday, Haaland has scored 19 goals across all competitions.
He is also joint-top scorer in the Premier League with Mohamed Salah on 14 goals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
