Real Madrid dream of pairing Haaland with Kylian Mbappe

Erling Haaland may not be at the peak of his powers, but the Norwegian striker is expected to start on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu when Manchester City take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

The Spanish capital has often been a stage where Haaland rises to the occasion. In his previous outings there with City, he has remained unbeaten, recording one win and two draws. His last visit on December 10 saw him convert a penalty to secure a 2-1 victory, highlighting his composure in high-pressure fixtures.

Florentino Pérez’s lingering ambition

From his seat in the palco de honor during City’s 3-1 return-leg win in February 2025, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez likely mused over what might have been had Haaland arrived earlier. That idea has never entirely left his mind.

In the autumn of 2024, as Real celebrated their fifteenth European crown, the club briefly considered a bold transformation of their frontline.

With Vinicius reportedly tempted by the Saudi Pro League and frustrated over Ballon d’Or snubs, Madrid envisioned a new attack featuring Kylian Mbappé on the left and Haaland leading the line. Vinicius ultimately stayed, Mbappé joined, and Haaland’s long-term desire to wear the white shirt was confirmed.

A costly ambition

This would have been Real’s second attempt to sign Haaland. Their first in 2021 fell through due to the €75 million release clause at Borussia Dortmund. Today, the striker’s market value has skyrocketed.

The 25-year-old Premier League top scorer, with 22 goals this season, recently extended his Manchester City contract until June 2034, earning a reported €2.6 million per month and England’s highest player salary.

A release clause exists in the new deal, undisclosed but undoubtedly formidable, raising questions about whether a club like Real could ever activate it. For now, discussions are on hold. Vinicius, whose contract expires next season, has yet to renew, leaving a window—however narrow—for a Haaland move alive in Madrid’s imagination.

Future chemistry

Haaland and Mbappé respect each other but are not yet close. They share Nike as a sponsor and have Rayan Cherki as a mutual friend, yet interactions have been rare—most notably by chance at Le Bourget airport.

On the pitch, their opportunities to play together have been limited; the pair have only shared the field once in three Real vs. City matches over the past two seasons.

Mbappé will miss Wednesday’s clash with a left knee injury, but the World Cup in New York on June 26 could provide a glimpse of their combined potential. Real Madrid’s dream of pairing the two stars remains tantalizing, though nothing is guaranteed unless Haaland secures major silverware this season.