Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland: Who should Real Madrid sign?
- Real Madrid are ready to make a big splash on a new forward
- Mbappe is a long-term target & could be available on a free transfer this summer
- Haaland touted as 'Plan B' if Mbappe rejects a move
Choosing between signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland is a first-world football problem that only a club like Real Madrid could have.
Los Blancos have been consistently linked with a move for impending free agent Mbappe over the last 12 months, while Haaland links have cropped up from time to time too. The Manchester City striker has recently been described as 'Plan B' for Madrid if they fail to land Mbappe's signature this summer.
So, to help Madrid decide which striker they should sign, we've compared the two stars in order to who out who is the best fit for the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid, you are welcome.
Star power
Erling Haaland is a superstar.
Kylian Mbappe is a megastar.
Mbappe's ascension to megastar status has been possible due to his genuinely miraculous performances at the last two World Cups. The hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, the Young Player of the Tournament performances in 2018, the fact that he's scored the same number of goals as literal Pele did in football's premier competition - it's all made Mbappe one of the most instantly recognisable people (not just footballers) in the world.
Winner: Mbappe
Tactical fit
Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-1-2 system which has unlocked the brilliance of Jude Bellingham in front of goal could also be pretty perfect for Mbappe too.
The natural wide forward would seemlessly slot into the role played by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes up front, stretching play with his pace in behind.
Winner: Mbappe
Finishing
With almost 500 career goals between them, it's fair to say that Haaland and Mbappe know where the net is.
Due to the former enjoying an utterly outrageous season in front of goal last time out in which he scored a Premier League single-season record number and 52 in 53 appearances in all competitions, we have to give this category to Haaland.
Winner: Haaland
Price
As you're well aware, Mbappe is available for free in the summer.
Well, we say free, we mean he'll actually probably cost Real Madrid a reported £200m between salary and signing-on fee if he does join the club.
Still, free... right?
As much as Mbappe would cost in the summer, due to the substantial - and we mean substantial - fee needed to sign him, Haaland would actually be the more expensive signing to make.
Winner: Mbappe (for free)
Overall
Haaland is an utterly exceptional striker, but Madrid simply have to sign Mbappe this summer.
The France forward is perhaps the most Real Madrid footballer to ever not play for Real Madrid. He is a megastar, a winner, a true 'Galactico'.
Winner: Mbappe
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