Cash-strapped, no problem. FC Barcelona is looking to up one on Real Madrid by signing Erling Haaland next summer.
That’s according to Diario ES, which claims that Barcelona club president Joan Laporta wants the big signing to coincide with the reopening of the new Camp Nou.
That’s the precise formula Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez took in reopening the renovated Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. He made two Galactico signings in anticipation of the updated stadium, one in Jude Bellingham and, more recently, Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona want to make their own grand statement of intent next summer.
What is Haaland’s situation at Manchester City?
Erling Haaland’s current Manchester City deal expires in 2027. While he’s in talks about an extension into 2029, his extant release clause leaves the door open.
There are two central reasons for a potential Haaland departure.
This could be Pep Guardiola‘s last season. The Premier League is also looking to punish City for breaking financial fair play rules. When and how both situations play out likely determine Haaland’s stance.
Like his role model, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Haaland has expressed a willingness to take on new challenges in different leagues. The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner looks to make his third consecutive this season, amongst other scoring records.
With two Premier League titles and the Champions League under his belt, the 24-year-old could be itching to test new green fields.
Of course, Barcelona is currently in solid shape. Hansi Flick’s side are cruising through La Liga with their frontman Robert Lewandowski rewinding the years. The 36-year-old has notched ten goals and two assists in the club’s first nine matches.
Perhaps, if not this summer, then in 2026, Haaland could head to the Catalan giants. That may work in Barcelona’s favor anyway since in-form Lewy’s contract expires that summer as well.
