Mino Raiola has claimed that Real Madrid can afford to sign Erling Haaland this summer, even though president Florentino Perez claimed it was 'impossible.'
Perez, no one's favourite person, revealed his, and the European Super League's, true colours when he claimed that his side couldn't afford Haaland or Kylian Mbappe without the much maligned competition.
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The two strikers, who are probably the most wanted players in the world right now, have both strongly been linked with a move to the reigning La Liga champions.
Mbappe's contract runs out at the end of next season and Haaland's transfer release clause didn't kick in till then either, meaning either man would still be expensive this summer.
However, speaking to AS about Haaland's future, the Borussia Dortmund striker's agent, Raiola, has claimed Real can afford the player, and questioned if they actually can afford to not sign him.
"I don't know if they can afford him, because I've haven't studied their books," the Italian born Dutchman said when asked about Real.
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"But I think they can. I think they all can. The question is different: Can Madrid afford not to buy Haaland? And Barca?"
The 53-year-old recently visited both Real and Barcelona to talk about the former Red Bull Salzburg striker's future.
Pushed on the possibility of a move to the Nou Camp, Raiola added, "It's difficult, but not impossible. That's the job of one of the club's directors. It's the same for the clubs as it is for the players.
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"A train goes by and what do you do? Catch it or let it go? That's the big question."
Speaking about those trips, the man who has also been very vocal about Paul Pogba's future, seemed to deny that they were to find a move for his client. "If I tell you the reason for the trip you won't believe it. Haaland's dad had to go to Marbella.
"He wanted to travel and I did too, because I had to congratulate [Joan] Laporta and then go to Madrid. We did it all in one go. Because, look, 99% of the times when I'm travelling, nobody knows where I am."
On the chances of the 20-year-old striker staying at Dortmund this summer, Raiola added, "What we know as of today is that Dortmund spoke extremely solemnly to us and said, 'We are not selling him'. That's the situation, definitely.
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"That's what they've said. Now let's see if that desire is still there through to the 1st of September."
The super agent reportedly wants to get the striker out of Dortmund this summer, especially if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, and could employ dirty tactics to make the move happen.
According to reports, Raiola has threatened to send Haaland to Bayern Munich next summer, when his release clause can be activated, if he's not allowed to move somewhere this year.
As well as the two Spanish superpowers and Bayern, Haaland has been linked with moves to Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Florentino Perez, Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, Erling Haaland, Premier League, Borussia Dortmund, Mino Raiola, Real Madrid, La Liga, Bundesliga