Real Madrid could part ways with Vinicius Jr in the summer of 2026 and has identified Erling Haaland as their top target to strengthen the attack and make a major splash in the transfer market.
The prospect of Vinícius Jr leaving Santiago Bernabéu is becoming increasingly realistic, and if it happens, Real Madrid is prepared to make a bold move: signing Erling Haaland.
According to Defensa Central, as the Brazilian winger’s future remains uncertain, the Los Blancos board has already begun planning for a high-caliber replacement. The name Erling Haaland has once again emerged as the leading candidate to take over the attacking responsibilities Vinícius might leave behind.
Vinicius’s future at Real Madrid is far from guaranteed (Photo: MSN).
Contract extension talks with Vinícius have stalled. The player is reportedly demanding wages that exceed the current salary structure, and Real Madrid is determined not to break the financial system it has maintained for years. This disagreement could lead to the Brazilian star being sold as early as the summer of 2026, when only one year remains on his contract.
In that scenario, Erling Haaland becomes the prime target to fill the void. Real Madrid has been monitoring the Norwegian striker for years and sees him as a strategic signing. Although Haaland’s release clause at Man City only becomes active in 2029, the Spanish giants believe a deal could be negotiated earlier—especially if Haaland remains eager to wear the white shirt and conquer La Liga.
Haaland receives offer to leave Man City; Barca sets Raphinha’s price (Photo: Marca).
Haaland has surprisingly come into Real Madrid’s sights again.
President Florentino Pérez, after securing Kylian Mbappé’s move to Bernabéu, now dreams of building a world-class attacking lineup that includes Haaland. The Norwegian forward is considered one of the deadliest No. 9s in football today—precisely the position Real Madrid currently lacks.
If a tempting enough offer arrives for Vinícius, Real Madrid won’t hesitate to launch an operation to bring the Norwegian “goal machine” to Madrid—a blockbuster move that could shake up the European transfer market.