Ex-Premier League Star Questions Erling Haaland’s Loyalty to Manchester City, Predicts Potential Real Madrid Move

“Tomorrow you never know what the future brings,” said Erling Haaland earlier this month while addressing a potential Real Madrid switch. The Haaland-Madrid rumor has once again gained traction. AS reported that the Manchester City star still sees himself joining the Spanish powerhouse. The Norwegian would reportedly use the City-Madrid UEFA Champions League QFs to impress the Spanish suitors. Now, amid this rumor, EPL veteran Shaka Hislop believes the 23-year-old is not as loyal to the Manchester club as his teammate Phil Foden.

Erling Haaland has a $217 million release clause with Manchester City, which allows him to leave this summer. Even though Hislop doesn’t see that happening now, he thinks Haaland will fly to the Spanish capital if a certain former Real Madrid star takes over as their head coach.

Erling Haaland is predicted to exit Manchester City should they face a demotion!

Erling Haaland’s potential Los Blancos move was the talking point in the ‘transfer talk’ segment of a recent ESPN FC episode. Shaka Hislop downplayed the ‘Haaland to Madrid’ rumor, saying he would stay in Manchester City for 3-4 years. Notably, the Norwegian’s current contract is valid until 2027. Hislop said the 23-year-old would ditch Pep Guardiola‘s side if the English FA demoted them to a lower tier in the English pyramid, amid all the FFP allegations. “Let’s say Manchester City gets demoted, I could quite easily see Erling Haaland moving on. If they do I could quite just as easily see Phil Foden stay,” said Shaka Hislop.

The reasoning behind the ex-West Ham United goalkeeper was that Foden, unlike Haaland, grew up in Manchester City’s academy. Earlier, Juventus players deserted the club when the Italian authorities demoted them to Serie B from Serie A. Notably, Manchester City also risks demotion or similar heavy punishments if they are proven guilty in the FA’s 115 charges for financial fair play breaches. Speaking of Haaland again, Hislop said his move to Madrid is a done deal if Los Blancos legend Xabi Alonso returns to the side as their boss.

Hislop is 100% sure about a Haaland-Alonso union in Madrid

Towards the end of the ESPN episode, co-host Mark Donaldson hinted that Erling Haaland would be Xabi Alonso’s first signing if he took over as Real Madrid’s coach. “Absolutely. Makes complete sense. If Xabi Alonso continues on this trend as a manager, in the way he develops and gets the best out of players, I think any player would love to play under Xabi Alonso,” Hislop told Donaldson. He added that any player would likewise love to play for Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Kyle Walker Picks Between Harry Kane & Erling Haaland- “He Doesn’t Have the Pace of Erling”

As of now, the Haaland to Madrid move is easier said than done. Firstly, Manchester City is trying to work out a contract extension with their lethal striker. Furthermore, it will be financially quite difficult for the Spanish side to house both Erling Haaland and reportedly incoming Kylian Mbappe simultaneously. Keeping all that in mind, do you agree with Hislop’s prediction? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Feels Sad for Erling Haaland After Manchester City’s FA Cup Win Over Newcastle United