Barcelona president Joan Laporta has set his sights on signing Erling Haaland, aiming to outmaneuver Real Madrid for the Manchester City star’s signature.
Haaland, currently in his third season with City, has already netted 11 goals in 10 matches. Although the 24-year-old is thriving under Pep Guardiola, he’s dropped hints about his long-term future being uncertain. His contract at the Etihad runs until 2027, but City is eager to extend it, especially with his £175 million release clause still active.
Haaland has made it no secret that he envisions a career path similar to global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović, players who proved themselves in multiple top leagues. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Haaland has already decided to leave Manchester City after this season, potentially coinciding with Guardiola’s expected departure when his contract ends. Real Madrid, long-time admirers of the Norwegian, were thought to be the front-runners, but now Barcelona is stepping up the chase.
As reported by the Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has crafted an ambitious plan to lure Haaland to Camp Nou. Laporta wants to make a headline-grabbing signing before his term ends in 2026, ideally when Barcelona will have fully returned to their newly-renovated stadium.
However, signing Haaland will not be straightforward, as Barcelona faces significant financial challenges. Haaland currently earns a staggering £375,000 per week, a salary far above what anyone in the current Barca squad is making. Nonetheless, Laporta is undeterred, seeing Haaland as the perfect long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski, now 36, is still performing well, having scored 12 goals in 11 appearances this season under new manager Hansi Flick. If Lewandowski fails to play 55% of Barcelona’s matches this season, his contract could expire next summer, although he is currently on track to surpass that threshold. Even so, the Polish striker’s contract will only run until 2026, by which time Barca hopes to have Haaland leading their attack.
Laporta is determined to secure Haaland, no matter the financial hurdles. While Haaland is the top target, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is also on Barcelona’s radar as they plan for the future.
