Erling Haaland has emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona in the summer of 2025, according to reports, in what would be a sensational deal should it materialise.
The Norwegian has fired his way to the top of most elite clubs’ transfer shortlists after a dominant first season with Manchester City was followed by another golden boot race-leading second term.
He battered and bludgeoned his way to multiple records in the Premier League in 2022-23, and as such has emerged as arguably the best No 9 in the world.
With that territory, though, comes eye-watering money, and reports last April stated that he was earning some £865,000-a-week at the Etihad.
With Barcelona still plagued by financial woes that have caused them registration problems in LaLiga in recent years, it is perhaps a shock that they might be lining up a move for one of the highest-paid players in the game, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Erling Haaland is reportedly a ‘dream’ signing for Barcelona ahead of the 2025-26 campaign
Joan Laporta’ (right) Barcelona have been plagued by financial problems in recent campaigns
Barca are currently led by Robert Lewandowski, the Polish legend continuing to fire in the goals as he approaches his 36th birthday at the end of the season.
Yet the striker’s contract runs up at the end of 2024-25, meaning that the Blaugrana will need to reinforce at No 9, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Haaland is the club’s dream replacement.
However, should he play half of Barca’s games next season, it will reportedly trigger a one-year extension in his deal at the club, taking him past his 37th birthday.
The report claims that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future could play into Barca’s hands; the Santpedor coach is contracted until 2025, and is thought to be set to depart at that point.
The club are reportedly keen to tie Haaland down to a longer deal – his current contract running up in 2027 – with Real Madrid also interested in his services, although not for the coming summer.
Should Barca move for Haaland and Kylian Mbappe move as expected to Real Madrid, it would set up a fantastic duel between the two players widely regarded to dominate football in the next decade.
Another factor in Barca’s favour comes in the form of Haaland’s agent Rafela Pimenta, who has held talks with Deco already in February, although the Brazilian lawyer has a number of clients at the top of the game.
Haaland has battered his way to a number of Premier League records in his one-and-a-half seasons in England
Pep Guardiola’s own uncertain future could pave the way for an exit for Haaland in summer 2025
Robert Lewandowski will be approaching his 37th birthday by the end of next season
The Camp Nou’s capacity will increase to 105,000 when Barcelona’s iconic home is complete
Similarly, the shadow of potential sanctions hanging over Man City’s head for alleged financial breaches could open the door to a mass exodus at the club.
Manchester City are awaiting the outcome of 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League at the start of last year, with a trial date set by bosses but yet to be officially confirmed.
The financial aspect of the move is thought to be aided by the fact that the club will soon be moving back into their own stadium, with the Spotify Camp Nou set to be completed before 2025-26.
There are however hopes that the ground could in fact be completed as early as this year, with the club opening their doors to a restricted capacity for Barcelona to move back home to their iconic ground.
