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Real Madrid 'were Erling Braut Haaland's third choice behind Manchester City, Bayern Munich'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 September 2022

Real Madrid 'were Haaland's third choice behind Man City, Bayern'

Real Madrid were only regarded as Erling Braut Haaland's third choice ahead of an exit from Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to his father.

Alf Inge Haaland has indicated that Real Madrid were only third choice ahead of Erling Braut Haaland's exit from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window.

As a result of a well-documented release clause in his contract, Haaland was heavily linked with a wide array of clubs from January onwards.

City were eventually revealed to be Haaland's chosen team, emulating the spell which is father spent at the same side during his playing days.

The Norway international subsequently rejected the advances of other leading teams, including the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs in the Premier League.

Alf Inge has now taken the opportunity to hint at Erling's decision-making process while contributing to a documentary called 'Haaland: The Big Decision'.

Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on September 17, 2022 © Reuters

As quoted by The Times, the former midfielder said: "On our list, I think City is the best team. [Bayern] Munich is number two. We have Real Madrid as number three, Paris Saint-Germain as number four.

"We also have some English teams other than City who are quite good. Liverpool and Chelsea. Also, there is Barcelona. They are sort of in the same row."

Haaland has, so far, enjoyed an astonishing start to life at the Etihad Stadium, already breaking records through surging clear at the top of the goalscoring charts.

As many as 14 goals have been scored from nine appearances in all competitions, 11 of which have come from seven outings in the Premier League.

Erling Braut Haaland celebrates his hat-trick for Manchester City on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

Most notably, Haaland scored hat-tricks in successive top-flight fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, as well as netting in four successive Premier League away matches.

The 22-year-old's three strikes in the Champions League have been against Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund, the latter proving to be the winning goal in a 2-1 triumph over his former club.

Despite his relentless form, City currently remain in second position in the Premier League standings, one point adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Haaland will hope to continue his scoring streak when City play host to neighbours Manchester United in the derby on Sunday afternoon.