Julio Maldonado, Maldini, is asked about the possibility of Manchester City proposing a swap to Real Madrid: Vinícius for Haaland. How would Maldini react if he were Florentino Pérez and had to decide?
He explained it this way on his YouTube channel: "I'd accept without hesitation," Maldini replies. "If I have a goal machine like Haaland and an absolute beast like Mbappé... Right now I don't know where Vinícius is going to end up, I'd accept it."
"Vinícius raises doubts for me"
"I love Vinícius and I think he should've won the Ballon d'Or two years ago. But as of today, Vinícius raises doubts for me. Haaland doesn't."
"Putting Haaland as center forward and Mbappé on the left... It'd be tremendous."
"Even if we were talking about prime Vinícius, his best version, I'd swap him too. Put yourself in Xabi Alonso's mind: If Mbappé on the left is spectacular, and I have one of the two or three best finishers in the world as center forward..."
"If I'd accept the swap with prime Vinícius, imagine now..."
Maldini is clear about it. Meanwhile, so is Florentino Pérez. Real Madrid's relationship with Vinícius is already very deteriorated and the end seems near.
When the time comes, a decision will have to be made about the replacement,
Haaland has always been on Florentino Pérez's mind
Florentino doesn't do things halfway. If a number one leaves, he'll make sure the replacement is just as good or better. Right now Haaland is the best option the market offers.
Moreover, Mbappé could play on the left, which is where he performs best. Real Madrid's interest in Haaland isn't new and the possibility of him ending up playing for Real Madrid is there.
Everything depends on how far Vinícius is willing to push in the negotiation for his contract renewal. As of today, he's more out than in. If Vinícius leaves, Haaland is the number one candidate to take his place.
Out with the old, in with the new, as the saying goes.