Haaland's father does not rule out Real Madrid transfer despite happiness at City

Author of a brace against Brazil (2-1) that qualified Norway for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Erling Haaland now has seven goals in the tournament. It is in this brilliant context that his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, has cast doubt on the future of the Manchester City striker.

Questioned after the match, the former Norwegian international did not rule out a transfer to Real Madrid. “Maybe… there is always a chance in football. There are big clubs in Spain. Nobody knows, but he is happy in England for now. Everyone dreams of playing at Real Madrid and winning the Ligue des Champions,” he said.

These comments contrast with statements from the player himself, who insists he is “happy at Manchester City”. At 25 years old, Haaland is about to begin a new cycle at the Skyblues under Italian manager Enzo Maresca, whose contract runs until 2029. The coach will inherit a revamped squad, with Rodri and new signing Rayan Cherki as key pieces alongside the Norwegian, but will have to manage without several historic leaders, including John Stones and Bernardo Silva, who left this summer.

Alf-Inge Haaland’s statement, cryptic as it may be, will be enough to fuel speculation around a striker who, with each successful World Cup, sees his stock rise on the European market. Real Madrid, regularly linked with his name for several seasons, has never officially ruled out the idea of signing him.