Haaland Move and Coaching Shake-Up at Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly preparing a sweeping strategic rebuild as the club looks to respond to an underwhelming season and the growing domestic threat from rivals Barcelona. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly preparing a sweeping strategic rebuild as the club looks to respond to an underwhelming season and the growing domestic threat from rivals Barcelona.
According to reports in Spain, the La Liga giants are exploring both a sensational move for Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland and a change in the dugout ahead of the 2024–25 campaign.
Haaland Remains a Key Target for Real Madrid
Pérez is said to be maintaining direct contact with Haaland’s representative Rafaela Pimenta, keeping open a pathway for the Norwegian forward to eventually arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Haaland has been admired by Real Madrid for several years and was previously monitored before his 2022 switch to Manchester City, where he opted to work under Pep Guardiola. The striker’s interest in Spanish football is well known, and the Bernabéu is believed to be among the clubs he views as a possible pinnacle in his career.
However, any pursuit would be complex and costly. Haaland is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, giving the English champions strong leverage in negotiations. Reports suggest any deal could exceed €500 million, potentially breaking the world transfer record.
To fund such a move, Real Madrid may need to sanction major sales, with Vinícius Júnior rumored as a possible departure if the club prioritizes an all-out push for Haaland.
Managerial Decision Expected This Summer
Beyond transfers, the coaching situation remains central to the club’s planning. After a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Xabi Alonso was dismissed, with academy coach Álvaro Arbeloa taking over on an interim basis.
While Arbeloa is respected internally, Real Madrid are expected to appoint a permanent manager at the end of the season. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is viewed as a realistic and progressive candidate, with his tactical approach and work under elite coaching structures reportedly impressing club executives.
Other names are also being considered. Jürgen Klopp has been mentioned, but his long-term role within the Red Bull football network is seen as a significant barrier. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Zinedine Zidane remains an option, though his tense relationship with Pérez and growing links to the France national team job after the upcoming World Cup make his return complicated.
A Critical Summer Ahead for Los Blancos
With Barcelona currently four points clear at the midway point of the La Liga season, Real Madrid face mounting internal pressure to respond decisively. Pérez is believed to be willing to once again “think big” as he looks to restore the club to the top of Spanish and European football.
Whether Real Madrid can finance an unprecedented move for Haaland while reshaping the technical leadership remains uncertain — but a transformative summer at the Bernabéu appears increasingly likely.
