Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are all set to knock on the doors of Manchester City for the services of their star striker Erling Haaland next year.
According to Jota Jordi via El Chiringuito, Barcelona are plotting to raid Manchester City next summer for the signature of Erling Haaland. While Robert Lewandowski has been going strong in the ongoing season, the Catalan giants are not certain if he will be able to maintain similar levels next season. As a result, they are looking to make a significant investment to sign a new striker.
The Spanish giants have a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old striker. They wanted to sign him back in 2022 before he made the move to the Premier League. While things didn’t go according to plan for them back in the day, Hansi Flick’s team retain interest in Haaland and they are looking to make a move next summer.
The Norwegian international has been scoring goals for fun since joining City. He shattered numerous records during his debut campaign and helped the team win the treble. Haaland played a pivotal role in helping them make it four consecutive league titles last time out.
While the Manchester-based club haven’t been at their best this season, the 24-year-old still has 18 goals in his 23 outings. His contract at City runs until the summer of 2027 but he could be on the move next summer amid the ongoing investigation into 115 financial breaches.
His contract has a release clause that will come into effect at the end of the season. That clause could lead to his departure and Barcelona could be his next destination. Lewandowski has been doing wonders for the Catalan giants in the final third of the pitch.
Barcelona want Haaland as Lewandowski’s long-term replacement
While he is still going strong for them at 36, there are serious concerns about his ability to maintain similar levels for a long period of time. He has had a slight deep in form of late and Barcelona believe he will struggle to maintain peak performances next season because of the congested schedule.
As a result, they want to bring Haaland to the club. Joan Laporta is a huge admirer of the Norwegian international and feels he could be one of the leaders of their new project.
More importantly, the player seems keen on playing for Barcelona which could work in their favour. Laporta reportedly has a strong relationship with his agent Rafaela Pimenta and it could help their cause.
While Barcelona are keen and Haaland is also interested in playing for them, the finances involved will complicate things. A potential transfer will require a massive fee, a significant contract offer and an agent commission. Meanwhile, rivals Real Madrid are also keen on signing him and they could complicate things.