German media: Real Madrid's top choice for striker revival is Haaland, with a transfer total exceeding 500 million euros; plans to sell Real Madrid's number 7

The number 7 at Real Madrid represents a crucial figure at the Bernabeu. This season saw a managerial change with Alonso taking over from Ancelotti, yet disputes between them emerged, leading to Alonso's firing. Although Vinicius appears victorious, this World Footballer of the Year could likely be the "casualty" in Real Madrid’s rebuilding process.

According to the latest transfer news from Germany's Sky Sports, Real Madrid still desires to sign a true number 9 striker, with Manchester City's Haaland as Florentino's top target. Real aims to complete this major deal in the upcoming summer transfer window. The total cost of signing Haaland will exceed 500 million euros, including transfer fees, signing bonuses, and player wages, but this depends on successfully selling Vinicius to generate a substantial transfer fee and free up salary space.

Haaland is the highest-paid player in the Premier League, earning a weekly wage of £525,000. In January 2025, he extended his contract with Manchester City until 2034. However, this does not mean Haaland will fulfill the entire contract, as joining Real Madrid has always been one of his ambitions. The ideal scenario now is for Real to sell Vinicius, the World Footballer of the Year, at a high price to a Saudi Pro League club and persuade Haaland to join Real Madrid.

In my personal opinion, signing Haaland will be very challenging for Real Madrid, not only because of the difficulty in selling Vinicius. Two big stars cannot coexist easily; if Haaland arrives, who will be Real's main man? Mbappé or Haaland? Therefore, Real's desire for Haaland is understandable, but Florentino expecting Haaland to play second fiddle to Mbappé is almost impossible. Moreover, Manchester City’s competitiveness rivals Real's, and as long as Guardiola remains, it will be tough for Real to lure Haaland away. What are your thoughts on this?