5 players who could spark a transfer battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2022

#3 Youri Tielemans

Tielemans has been sensational for Leicester

Barcelona and Real Madrid have some quality midfielders in their ranks. From Frankie de Jong to Federico Valverde, the two most successful sides in Spain each have multiple future superstars in their squads. However, few professionals can boast of the experience that Belgian prodigy Youri Tielemans has amassed at the age of 24.

According to Athletic, both Barcelona and Real Madrid seem keen on roping in Leicester City's prized asset for a bargain fee. With Tielemans stalling on a contract extension that is due to expire in 2023, top clubs from all across Europe will be looking to capture the Belgian.

Opening up about his current situation at the King Power Stadium, Tielemans stated,

"I'm open to everything. The transfer market has just closed, but I want to keep as many options as I can open. There are talks going on - I'm not saying I'm going to sign, I'm not saying I'm not going to sign. We will see."

With such ambiguous signals, the creative midfielder could be plotting an exit from Leicester. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are sure to be listening if this happens.

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#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba and United are negotiating a new deal

Paul Pogba is yet to sign a contract extension with his current side Manchester United. For a while, everything seemed on track and according to various reports, the flamboyant midfielder was ready to commit his future to the Red Devils.

However, recent developments indicate that Pogba could end up leaving Old Trafford next summer as a free agent. Having recently signed an agile box-to-box midfielder in the form of Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on the whereabouts of their long-term target.

In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona have also emerged as a possible destination for the 28-year-old Frenchman. With a depreciating squad and a cash-strapped purse, Pogba would be an ideal signing for the Blaugrana. Nevertheless, serial-bidders PSG and Real Madrid could give Barcelona a tough competition in the signing of the World Cup winner.

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#1 Erling Haaland

Haaland is destined for greatness

The third player on this list to be represented by Mino Raiola, Erling Haaland is arguably the crown jewel in the super-agent's clientele. The 21-year-old has proven to be a sensation at Borussia Dortmund, scoring an unfathomable 68 goals in just 67 appearances for BVB.

Boasting an eye-watering market value of €130m, the signing of Haaland will undoubtedly be a hotly-contested affair next season. With the Norwegian prodigy's release clause dropping to a mere €75m, interested clubs will pounce on the chance of acquiring him.

Raiola infamously arranged a continent-wide tour earlier this year in an attempt to scout possible future destinations. Barcelona and Real Madrid were the first clubs that the 53-year-old confronted with respect to a potential transfer. While Real Madrid are still the likeliest club to land his signature, Barcelona's Joan Laporta could initiate a surprise swoop, given his pedigree.

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