Real Madrid have no current plans to launch a pursuit of Erling Haaland in the 2027 transfer window, according to reports from Spanish outlet SPORT. Despite the recent guilty verdict handed down to Manchester City by an independent commission regarding the vast majority of 134 alleged financial breaches, the Spanish side is not expected to change its long-term squad planning to accommodate the Norway international.
Haaland, who has remained a pivotal figure for Manchester City since his 2022 arrival, is committed to a significant long-term agreement at the Etihad Stadium. On 17 January 2025, the 26-year-old signed a new deal that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2034, a commitment described as a nine-and-a-half-year term. Crucially, the BBC has reported that this agreement contains no active release clauses, a notable change from the structure of his previous contract. This long-term commitment complicates any potential exit, regardless of the sanctions Manchester City may ultimately face following the conclusion of their legal proceedings.
Contractual reality at the Etihad
The contract signed in early 2025 serves as the primary barrier to any immediate transfer, providing Manchester City with significant control over the player's future. While reports published by TEAMtalk have suggested that Barcelona and Real Madrid hold a belief that there are potential 'routes out' of the striker's contract, the club's public position has been consistent in maintaining that no exit mechanisms exist. Manchester City have not commented on the speculative claims regarding informal exit agreements. The situation at the Etihad remains stable from a contractual perspective, and the player is currently operating under the terms that were verified at the time of his renewal, which included the removal of the release clauses present in his original 2022 deal.
Tactical considerations at the Bernabéu
Tactical and squad planning also suggest a move to the Santiago Bernabéu remains improbable. Real Madrid have invested heavily in a forward line that currently features Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Endrick. According to reports in Spain, the presence of such established attacking talent, combined with the club's current squad architecture, leaves little strategic or financial incentive to recruit an additional centre-forward of Haaland's profile. Real Madrid's focus appears to be on maintaining the balance of their current squad rather than disrupting it with a high-profile signing that would require significant financial outlay and tactical restructuring.
Legal uncertainty and wider market interest
The legal uncertainty surrounding Manchester City is expected to persist for an extended period. Following the commission's findings on 25 September 2026, which confirmed the club was guilty of the vast majority of 134 charges covering seasons from 2009-10 to 2022-23, an appeal process is now anticipated. Legal experts suggest this phase could delay a final resolution for another two years, rendering any discussion of a mass exodus premature. While Barcelona remain a club consistently linked with the striker—as Hansi Flick’s side continues to look for a long-term successor at centre-forward—the Spanish giants face significant financial hurdles that would make any formal move difficult. Consequently, the prospect of Haaland leaving Manchester City in 2027 remains speculative, with no formal bids or agreed frameworks in place as the legal process continues toward its next stage.
