Real and Barcelona monitor Manchester City — Haaland the prize
Spanish giants see a possible City punishment as a chance to sign players who were previously untouchable.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely tracking developments around Manchester City amid speculation that a severe punishment for the English club could free up players who until now have been untouchable on the transfer market.
Haaland at the centre of attention
Erling Haaland is the primary target for both Spanish clubs. Although the Norwegian striker signed a long-term contract with the Citizens in January 2025, which contains no special relegation clause, it is difficult to imagine a player of his profile accepting to play in the Championship or lower tiers of English football.
Barcelona, left without a traditional No.9 after Robert Lewandowski’s departure, have seen Rafinha deliver strong performances and emerge as their leading scorer this season, but the club has not abandoned the idea of bringing in a world-class striker — especially after earlier attempts to sign Julián Álvarez failed.
Real Madrid already have Kylian Mbappé, yet president Florentino Pérez remains committed to his vision of assembling new "Galácticos" and sees the Frenchman and Haaland leading the attack together. British outlets report that Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also monitoring Haaland’s situation closely.
Beyond the Norwegian, Real are said to be following defender Joško Gvardiol and a group of younger prospects including Ajub Buadi, Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández and Ryan Cherki as potential targets should City face harsh sanctions — either by direct exclusion from elite competitions or by suffering such a points deficit that it would push them down the table.
For now, clubs across Europe are watching and waiting. Any decisive action against Manchester City would quickly reshape transfer calculations and open opportunities for teams prepared to move if the moment arrives.
Photo: press material from the event
