Rio Ferdinand delivered his verdict about Erling Haaland’s next footballing destination.
Speaking on BT Sport, the former Manchester United defender predicted a move to Spain for the Borussia Dortmund striker, rather than into the grasp of Chelsea or another Premier League club.
Erling this, Haaland that
Haaland will be the talk of the town once again when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The Norway international received a copious amount of attention last year from all over Europe.
Interest in England nearly reached boiling point, as Chelsea and Manchester City jostled for his expensive signature, whilst Manchester United also lurked in the background.
Clearly, nothing came of the British curiosity.
Thomas Tuchel employers instead went big on Romelu Lukaku, City spent even bigger on Jack Grealish and United paid marginally less for Jadon Sancho.
Yet, all three might revive their intrigue once the campaign concludes.
Although his contract doesn’t expire until 2024, Haaland’s £62m (Marca) release clause can be settled in June.
For a player of his calibre, this fee is relatively cheap.
Meaning all of the financially driven powers will be knocking at Dortmund’s door in a few months.
None more so than Real Madrid and Barcelona, who appear to be ahead of the chasing pack currently.
The Spanish armada for Mbappe and Haaland
Madrid want a successor to Karim Benzema, whilst also fulfilling their ‘Galactico’ legacy.
Barca meanwhile are just desperate to relive the good times and see Haaland as the answer to their problems.
Which of the La Liga sides will potentially sign the 21-year-old might depend on another superstar talent.
Kylian Mbappe could leave Paris Saint-German at the end of the season as a free agent, once his contract runs its course.
Both Barca and Madrid have also been linked to the formidable Frenchman, meaning supporters of the Spanish league may be in for a real treat in 2022/23.
“I actually think Mbappe and Haaland will end up in Spain,” said Ferdinand on the pair’s possible movements.
“I just think that Spanish football will demand that those two players come there, to give them that X-factor they had for many years with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, which has been lost for over a year or so.”
Whilst one of Mbappe and Haaland are likely to end up in Spain, we think it’s only fair they share at least half of this incredible duo with Chelsea.
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