Erling Haaland transfer prediction: Former teammate 'convinced' he will join Real Madrid

Former Norway international Magnus Wolff Eikrem has added fuel to the speculation surrounding Erling Haaland's future, stating he is "convinced" the striker will eventually wear the famous white shirt of Real Madrid. Eikrem, who played alongside Haaland at Norwegian club Molde between 2018 and 2019, shared his thoughts in an interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS. The current KFUM midfielder - himself a former Manchester United prospect - made clear he sees a move to the Santiago Bernabéu as inevitable. "I think it's something that can happen perfectly," Eikrem said. "What's more, I'm convinced it will happen one day. I won't say completely sure, but I do see many possibilities." Haaland has cemented his status as one of the world's elite forwards since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The 26-year-old has scored 162 goals in 198 appearances for City, famously netting 52 times during the treble-winning 2022-23 campaign that saw the club become only the second English side to achieve that feat. On the international stage, Haaland has carried Norway to the quarter-finals of this summer's World Cup, scoring both goals in a memorable last-16 victory over five-time champions Brazil in New Jersey. His father, Alf-Inge, previously stoked transfer talk by stating that "anyone would want to play for Madrid." Eikrem believes the pull of Real Madrid would elevate Haaland even further. "Real Madrid's power of attraction in the world is immense and although he is in a great club like City, I think that in Madrid he would reach a higher level," he said. "The best in the world play there and Erling is one of them. I think he would score a lot of goals, fit in well, like the fans and enjoy the game surrounded by so many stars as good as him." Haaland remains under contract at the Etihad until 2034 and is preparing for his fifth season under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola. City have so far added Elliot Anderson, Mathys Detourbet, Jeremy Monga and Pierce Charles ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from City, according to insider sources's insider - a move that could further reshape the landscape of European football.