Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland reportedly has a shock clause in his current contract regarding a potential move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It now appears that Haaland might not see out the duration of his five-year deal at the Etihad, with reports from Spain suggesting that he has a buyout clause that would allow him to join either of the two LaLiga powerhouses.
Read: Haaland: The best African stars I've played with against
According to El Chiringuito, the Norwegian's special release clause can be activated from 2024.
It is further claimed that, while it was initially thought only Los Blancos could activate it, Real's arch-rivals Barca are also included in the clause, and that it would take in excess of €200 million (R3.5 billion) to sign the centre-forward.
If true, that fee which would make the striker the second-most expensive transfer of all time, trailing only Neymar's €222 million (R3.8 billion) move from the Blaugrana to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
The Catalan outfit is understood to have maintained a strong interest in Haaland, with manager Xavi Hernandez believed to have flown to Munich to pitch his sporting project to the striker prior to his switch to Manchester in July.
The Camp Nou side is thought to still have the Norwegian on their radar despite having secured former Bayern Munich marksman Robert Lewandowski's signature during the off-season.
The 34-year-old Pole's contract in Spain expires in June 2026, with the Blaugrana said to feel that the Citizens goal-poacher would be a fitting replacement.
Real, meanwhile, were desperate to sign Kylian Mbappe ahead of the current season, but this fell apart in May when the PSG sensation signed a new contract with the French giants, in a deal that reportedly saw him become the highest-paid footballer in the world.
With Mbappe seemingly playing hardball with the reigning European champions, Carlo Ancelotti's side are now believed to be the frontrunners to be the next team to sign Haaland, who had a similar buyout structure in his contract with his previous employers Borussia Dortmund.
Read: Pep: Why Haaland is not yet on Messi's level
City, on the other hand, are reportedly already considering offering Haaland a new contract in the hope of removing the release clause and keeping the player in Manchester for the long term.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In