Transfer Centre

How Real Madrid could line up with Erling Braut Haaland

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 March 2021

Sports Mole looks at how Real Madrid could line up with Erling Braut Haaland in their side next season should he join from Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to bring Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland to the Bernabeu during this summer's transfer window.

The 20-year-old has again been in excellent form for BVB during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 33 times in 31 appearances in all competitions.

A release clause in the forward's contract will not be active until next year, but Haaland has allegedly told his agent that he wants to seek pastures new in the upcoming market.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona are also said to be firmly in the hunt, but a recent report claimed that the Norway international is keen on a move to the Bernabeu.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Los Blancos could line up next season if Haaland makes the move to the Spanish capital.

POSS RM XI HAALAND

Haaland's form since arriving at Dortmund has been staggering, scoring 49 times in 49 appearances in all competitions, in addition to contributing 11 assists.

Madrid already have a world-class striker at the club, though, with Karim Benzema enjoying another excellent season, scoring 23 times in 32 appearances, and it is incredibly unlikely that the Frenchman would be relegated to the bench next term, even if Haaland were to arrive.

Benzema's contract is due to expire in June 2022, though, and it is not impossible to think that he could move on at the end of next season.

As a result, head coach Zinedine Zidane could deploy a front two of Haaland and Benzema in 2021-22, and the Norweigan would have the chance to learn from someone who has been one of Europe's best forwards over the last 10 years.

Haaland's arrival would also give the manager flexibility, allowing him to rest Benzema when needed, but the thought of the pair lining up in the same team would certainly not be welcomed by opposition defences.

A 3-5-2 formation has recently been used by Zidane, and the possible arrival of Bayern Munich's David Alaba to the back three would make Madrid a serious proposition next term, but the future of club captain Sergio Ramos remains unclear.

Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro are likely to remain as the first-choice midfield three even if that area is strengthened this summer, with the two goal machines left to fire the club to silverware.