Since the saga began in 2018, there is finally a fresh update about Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe. Reports have stated that the club have decided to decided not to sign the player and will instead look to reinforce their team through other options.

The Frenchman has been their primary target for over four years at this point, with the transfer going nearly going through in 2022 when the player was about to become a free agent.

After several failed attempts, and possibly hurt ego, though, Real Madrid have decided to make Erling Haaland a real option for the summer of 2024, as per Carlos Carpio (h/t Madrid Zone).

Currently playing for Manchester City, the striker is considered the best player in his position in the world, and even finished runners up in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, one position above Kylian Mbappe himself.

Haaland fired City to a treble win in his first season for the English outfit, scoring more than 50 goals in the process and breaking several records, as well.

How much will Haaland cost?

While previous reports stated that he has a release clause in his contract, the news has since been disproved.

As such, Madrid will have to shell out a fortune to sign the player, with his signing expected to cost somewhere between €150 million to €200 million. And that is only if he chooses to leave the club in the first place.

A better fit than Mbappe

While Mbappe has been on top of Madrid’s priority list for a while, Haaland is arguably a better fit for them tactically.

The Frenchman’s best position is off the left, either in a two-man system up top or playing on the left-wing with the freedom to move inside. Currently, Vinicius Jr plays that role for Madrid, and very well, at that.

After the departure of Karim Benzema, though, the record UCL winners need a striker much more than they need a winger. And while Mbappe can play that position, he prefers being deployed on the left.

That is where Haaland comes in. With Vinicius’ ability to dominate the wing single-handled, coupled with the creativity from Madrid’s midfield, the Norweignan will receive world-class service all round.

It is too early to call the transfer, though, and both transfer sagas are expected to take a few twists and turns as the season goes on.