Erling Haaland transfer domino helps Man Utd complete record-breaking deal

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could inadvertently help Manchester United complete a record-breaking deal for Vinicius Junior, according to reports in Spain.

Haaland, 25, has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s priority transfer targets for next year and Los Blancos are expected to pursue a deal when the 2026 summer window opens.

However, the Norway superstar signed a long-term contract extension in January and his new lucrative deal isn’t due to expire until 2034. As a result, Real Madrid will be forced to pay a substantial fee to lure the striker to Spain.

In order to fund a move for Haaland, widespread reports have indicated that Real Madrid are willing to sell Vinicius Jr.

The Brazil winger has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months, and rumours suggest that Al-Hilal are willing to pay as much as €350 million to sign Vinicius next summer.

The 25-year-old’s relationship with Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is currently at breaking point, following their altercation during El Clasico on Sunday, and The Transfers Podcast understands that Los Blancos will sanction a sale in 2026 if Vinicius refuses to lower his wage demands.

The former Flamengo star is into the final two years of his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and a sale next summer is becoming increasingly likely amid his desire to become the club’s highest-paid player.

Vinicius Jr to Man Utd?

While Vinicius has been expected to join a club in Saudi Arabia when he leaves Real Madrid, transfer reporter Graeme Bailey claims that he has no intention of moving to the Middle East.

Instead, he would prefer to remain in Europe, and it’s been revealed that Chelsea are among the clubs monitoring his situation ahead of a potential bid in 2026.

Furthermore, Spanish outlet Fichajes report that Man Utd are also interested in agreeing a bombshell deal to sign Vinicius.

Ruben Amorim’s side rejuvenated their forward line with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer, however they are reportedly eager to land Vinicius next year.

In fact, it’s reported that Man Utd are prepared to submit a €200m offer to sign the Real Madrid superstar during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Los Blancos are, however, only likely to sanction a sale if they are able to land a suitable replacement, and Haaland is currently their preferred target. As a result, Man Utd are relying on the Norway striker to kickstart a transfer domino that will allow them to add Vinicius to their first-team squad.

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