Updated: 6 Jun 2026 13:37 BST |
5 min read
Borussia Dortmund boss Hans-Joachim Watzke has voiced his belief that a Real Madrid transfer is inevitable for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The Norway international has been caught up in a Los Blancos election storm. Incumbent president Florentino Perez called for an ad hoc vote during a remarkable public rant last month, with the fate of one of the world’s biggest clubs set to be decided on Sunday.
For the first time in two decades, Perez faces competition in a presidential election. Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme has come forward to challenge the Real Madrid supremo, and he has made sweeping promises.
Enrique has claimed that, if elected, he will sign Rodri and Haaland from Man City, while he also insisted that he would pursue a different coach to Jose Mourinho, who has an agreement to return to the club if Perez wins.
He went so far as to suggest that he has already held talks with Rodri and Haaland. However, his bullish comments came back to bite him earlier this week when Man City categorically ruled out a transfer for the Norwegian and threatened legal action for the unauthorised use of his image rights.
Haaland to Real Madrid is inevitable
This was a welcome boost for Perez as it tarnished the credibility of Enrique. He used it to his advantage, adding in an interview on Thursday that a move for Haaland is clearly impossible this summer.
However, it is no secret that Perez himself dreams of signing the 25-year-old. The Man City star has been a key target for Real Madrid for years, and not even his massive contract extension last year – until 2034 – has changed that.
The appreciation is mutual. Haaland harbours ambitions of one day playing in LaLiga and, ideally, for Real Madrid. Sky Germany, having consulted sources at the Norwegian’s former club Dortmund, revealed last year that he is determined to move to Spain in the future.
Haaland adores the country. Growing up, he spent a lot of time in Spain with his family, and he still frequently returns to the Iberian nation in his spare time.
Responding to Enrique’s comments earlier this week, Sky doubled down on its reporting, stating that Haaland “dreams” of playing for Real Madrid. The exit of Man City manager Pep Guardiola has “hit him hard.” However, it was emphasised that a move this summer is out of the question.
It is now clear that the German outlet’s information did not just come from one random source at Dortmund. The idea that Haaland will eventually join Real Madrid seems to be widespread at the club.
Speaking to AS, Dortmund’s president, Hans-Joachim Watzke, revealed that he is convinced that a transfer to Los Blancos is inevitable for Haaland. The Norwegian “loves Real Madrid.”
“I know very well what he thinks, and I can say that, of course, he admires Real Madrid and that in the future he would like to play for the club,” Watzke explained. “But next season he will continue playing for Manchester City. Without any doubt.
“He loves Real Madrid and doesn’t hide it. I think he will play there in two or three years, but not any sooner. He has not committed himself to anyone, just as his father has said.”
Watzke then expressed his own personal admiration for the club. “I’ve had a great relationship with Real Madrid for 12 years, and they have always respected Borussia Dortmund at all times, and that is something to be grateful for,” he added.
“What Florentino has done during this period is incredible.”
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