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“Not Real Madrid’s No. 1 Priority” – Carlo Ancelotti Advised to Snub ‘Plan B’ Erling Haaland Over ‘Best in the World’ Kylian Mbappe

Published 01/30/2024, 11:38 PM EST

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When it comes to scoring goals, very few on the planet can match Erling Haaland. The Norwegian ace plundered 50 goals in 2023 and would have won the Ballon d’Or if it wasn’t for a certain Lionel Messi‘s World Cup heroics. Despite all his feats, Real Madrid has been advised to choose Kylian Mbappe over the Norwegian, despite PSG’s staggering effort to keep hold of the Frenchman. An interesting opinion, considering that Mbappe rejected Madrid in the past.

The comments come from journalist Josep Pedrerol on the soccer show El Chiringuito de Jugones. He said, “Haaland is not Real Madrid’s number 1 priority. It’s not clear what plan B is… But target number 1 is not Haaland. Do you have Haaland or the best in the world?“. It can be deduced that Pedrerol is referring to the PSG ace as the ‘Best’ considering Mbappe’s history with Madrid. With 52 goals in 2023, the Frenchman was one of the rare players who achieved the feat of outscoring Haaland. Even more impressive, is that his numbers come from the flanks. However, it is his very position that could be Real Madrid’s biggest headache!

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The departure of Karim Benzema meant Los Blancos lacked a goal-scoring presence in the striker position. Mbappe is a natural winger and does not have the ideal physical presence to be a number 9. This is an issue that Erling Haaland would address. Furthermore, PSG has reportedly offered Mbappe a new contract worth $130 million annually. This could even cross $300 million when considering image rights and advertisement bonuses.

On the other hand, Erling Haaland’s signing is more viable financially. His release clause for non-English clubs is just $109 million! Moreover, his salary is not as high as the Frenchman’s. But even removing the financial aspect, the Norwegian makes more sense from a sporting view, as per their former manager.

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Real Madrid needs Erling Haaland more instead of ‘better footballer’ Mbappe, indirectly claimed Fabio Capello

When questioned regarding who is his preferred signing out of the two, the Italian manager said, “If Madrid is going to sign, they have to ask themselves if they have a center forward now. And it doesn’t have it. He needs that more. But if you are going to look at technical quality, who is the better footballer, Mbappé is above Haaland.” Madrid has quality options on the wing like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo but it wouldn’t affect Mbappe’s chances per Capello.

via Reuters

Vinicius has scored 6 league goals while the PSG ace has racked up 19. Considering both of them prefer the left flank, there is only one clear choice as to who Los Blancos & Carlo Ancelotti would prefer out of the two. However, why upset an already calm dressing room? Shouldn’t Florentino Perez rather look at Erling Haaland? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Adithya Narayanan

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One take at a time

Soccer was the first sport I played in my life. It turned out to be my favorite one by an absolute mile. In my younger days, I became a Liverpool fan but it was only when Jurgen Klopp arrived that my passion for the game intensified.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz