Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains obsessed with his dream signing: Erling Haaland.
Having recently signed a bumper nine-and-a-half year contract with City, the Norwegian wouldn’t come cheap and Barcelona’s poor financial situation is well-documented.
It isn’t the most financially feasible transfer, but would it be a good move for club and player?
Barcelona’s Striker Hunt
Robert Lewandowski is still lethal in front of goal but isn’t getting any younger. At 37 years old, his time at the top will soon come to an end – even if he has already bagged four league goals already.
Reports last week speculated that Barcelona were interested in Atlético striker Julián Álvarez. While he also has a long contract – and a €500 million release clause – Álvarez seems a more realistic option for Barcelona.
But the dream signing remains Haaland.
Would Haaland and Yamal Work Together?
Barcelona only need to look at rivals Real to see that the introduction of a world-class striker doesn’t always go to plan – at least not immediately. Mbappé’s arrival disrupted both Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, something even the great Carlo Ancelotti struggled to sort out. Xabi Alonso appeared to have sorted a system that suited both Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, but the attack looked disjointed following Bellingham’s return against Atlético Madrid.
For Barcelona, any striker who joins will be expected to complement and improve Lamine Yamal’s game – there can be no negative detriment on the young Spanish starboy.
Yamal wants the ball to feet, early up the pitch where he can drive at full-backs and make things happen. Haaland is the ultimate final stage poacher who thrives off service. The pair wouldn’t experience the same issues Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior had where they were trying to operate in the same pockets of space. With the creativity of Pedri in midfield, Haaland and Yamal could both be feasting if they were able to strike up a connection. On paper, the partnership sounds lethal.
Could Haaland Leave?
If Haaland wanted to leave City, he’s got a weird way of showing it.
Signing a mammoth contract extension that keeps him at the club until he is 34 is a show of intent that he trusts the club’s rebuilding project. When Haaland signed the contract, City were languishing down in sixth out and out of the title race – he knew what he was getting himself into.
With such a long contract, no reported buyout clause and Barcelona’s financial woes, the move looks unlikely anytime soon. Should Guardiola leave City that could change, but for now it looks like Haaland in a Barca shirt will remain just a dream for Laporta.
