Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may be contemplating a bold move involving their Norwegian talisman, Erling Haaland, as whispers of a potential swap with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham circulate, according to reports emanating from Spain.
The Citizens experienced a dip by their lofty standards during the 2024/25 campaign, recovering late to claim third place and secure a Champions League berth. Guardiola’s men finished 13 points behind title winners Liverpool, a stark contrast to their triumphant four-year run as Premier League champions. A critical injury to Rodri early in the season contributed to their struggles, while Haaland, though prolific with 22 league goals, didn’t fully replicate his previous scintillating performances.
In a bid to bolster their squad amid this underwhelming season, City brought in several reinforcements during the January transfer window, including Omar Marmoush and Vitor Reis. This summer, they’ve further strengthened with six new additions: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, James Trafford, Sverre Nypan, and Marcus Bettinelli.
Haaland, frequently the subject of transfer speculation, extended his stay with City by signing a new contract. Nevertheless, the revised deal reportedly contains two clandestine clauses, one activating upon the club’s relegation and another if they miss out on Champions League qualification.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Guardiola is supposedly prepared to part with any player, Haaland included, for Real Madrid’s burgeoning star Jude Bellingham. The City boss is understood to have impressed upon the club’s chiefs his fervent desire to sign the England international “at all costs.” However, Madrid president Florentino Perez is adamant that Bellingham is integral to their future plans, citing his critical contributions on the pitch and beyond.
In a further twist, following City’s devastating 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace where Haaland let teammate Omar Marmoush take a missed penalty, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney offered pointed criticism. Rooney suggested on BBC Sport that this decision epitomised what sets Haaland apart from legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, citing their relentless pursuit of individual glory as a key differentiator.
City fans and football followers alike will watch with bated breath as this intriguing saga unfolds in the weeks to come, curious to see if Guardiola’s ambition matches Madrid’s resolve.
READ MORE TRANSFER RUMOURS: