- Vinicius could still leave Real Madrid
- Mbappe may be moved to left wing
- Haaland touted for No.9 role
Getty/GOALReal Madrid line up Erling Haaland to take Kylian Mbappe's No.9 slot this summer with Saudi Arabia set to make final push for Vinicius Junior transfer
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite being rebuffed the first time, journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that the move is far from dead. Saudi officials remain determined, continuing to pursue what has been described as a deal of “unprecedented scale”, potentially setting new benchmarks in both transfer fees and player salaries. Should Vinicius ultimately accept a move this summer, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to act fast with a Plan B: going all-in on signing Haaland from Manchester City. The prolific Norwegian striker has long been admired by the Madrid hierarchy, but any move previously appeared unnecessary with both Vinicius and Mbappe already on the books.
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
If Vinicius departs, Haaland would slot naturally into the central attacking role, freeing up space for Mbappe to drift wideleft, a position he has preferred throughout his career. That versatility could make a Haaland-Mbappe-Rodrygo trio not only feasible but frightening for any opposition, potentially forming one of the most dangerous attacking line-ups the game has seen.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid’s hopes of securing Haaland, however, are far from straightforward. At the beginning of 2025, the striker extended his contract with Manchester City, committing himself to the Premier League champions until 2034. Crucially, the new deal reportedly does not include any release clause, removing a typical escape route for clubs like Madrid looking to swoop in. Without a buyout option, Madrid would have to negotiate directly with City, who are unlikely to let go of their talisman without a fierce fight - and an enormous fee.
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