Real Madrid is monitoring Manchester City forward Erling Haaland following the official confirmation that manager Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season, according to reports from The Sun and SPORT.
Guardiola's exit was confirmed on Friday, May 22, 2026. He will become a global ambassador for the City Football Group.
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Haaland reportedly instructed his agent to explore a potential transfer to Real Madrid after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, missing out on the Premier League title.
The Norwegian striker signed a contract extension in January 2025 that ties him to the club until 2034, but the deal includes an actionable release clause.
Haaland expressed his disappointment with City's runner-up finish behind Arsenal. "In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult.
We tried. It wasn't enough," he said.
"We should be angry, we should feel a fire inside our belly because it's not good enough," Haaland added.
He urged the squad to use the disappointment as motivation for next season.
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Haaland previously discussed his career choices on The Rest is Football, recalling advice from his father: "Never go to a club because of the manager."
He noted that his contract extension discussions were primarily with club executives, not Guardiola alone.
However, he acknowledged that playing under Guardiola was a significant factor in his move from Borussia Dortmund.
"For me, people speak about 'genius'... He works harder than everyone, he's the hardest-working in the club," Haaland said of Guardiola.
Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano confirmed Guardiola will remain with the group.
"We will be able to use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs," Soriano said.
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Incoming manager Enzo Maresca is set to take over the first team ahead of the summer transfer window, while Guardiola prepares for his final match in charge against Aston Villa.
