Rafael Nadal is an avid soccer fan. Living in a soccer-crazy Spain, Nadal has a deep connection with the sport in his family. His uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, was a former player for the Spanish club, FC Barcelona.

Although he has a strong connection to FC Barcelona, Nadal is a fan of their bitter rivals, Real Madrid. The record Spanish champions are currently 3rd in the Spanish League and have been linked with star young players, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Who are Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland?

Erling Haaland currently plays for the German club, Borussia Dortmund, and is valued at well over $100 million. Whereas, Kylian Mbappe is a World Cup winner with France and plays for French champions PSG. Mbappe’s value is close to $200 million.

Since Real Madrid has a long tradition of buying ‘Galacticos’ and paying hefty transfer fees, they could buy either Haaland or Mbappe in the coming transfer window. When Nadal was asked who he would want in the club, he chose both the young superstars.

“I would like both of them. To be honest, both are going well for me,” Nadal said. (quotes have been translated)

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Can Real Madrid buy both Haaland and Mbappe, as Rafael Nadal said?

Although every Real Madrid fan would want both Haaland and Mbappe on their side, financially it is not viable. In the current financial climate, Madrid can buy one player in the excess of $100 million, thus only one of Haaland or Mbappe could come to Madrid this summer.

Rafa finds himself in Madrid as he chases a record-extending sixth title at Mutua Madrid Open 2021. He comes into the tournament after winning a record 12th title at the Barcelona Open. Because of that triumph and the non-involvement of Novak Djokovic, Nadal is the top seed in Madrid.

Read More: “One Thing That Makes Them Unique…”: Jannik Sinner Opens Up on Meeting Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal